FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 17, 2026

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Trump Administration Announces $167 Million to Build Rural Care Sites, Upgrade Health Technology, and Strengthen Prevention Across South Carolina

This federal investment will support telehealth, remote monitoring, mobile care, cybersecurity upgrades, and new technology to improve maternal and behavioral healthcare

The Trump Administration announced today that a $167 million investment is being delivered to expand local access, modernize technology and infrastructure, improve prevention, and strengthen workforce capacity for South Carolinians through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This investment will give residents more ways to access primary care, maternal and infant health, pediatrics, wellness, and behavioral health through new and modernized care locations, mobile units, telehealth, and other healthcare technologies such as local 24-hour pharmacy kiosks.

The RHTP funding will support 228 grants to reduce barriers to care and strengthen healthcare access in rural communities through pop-up healthcare locations, mobile vans, new clinics, and school-based mental health services. Funded projects will modernize health IT infrastructure, including electronic health records, digital intake, and remote monitoring to manage chronic conditions. Specific IT projects include cybersecurity upgrades for a rural hospital and a specialized obstetrical surgical robot designed to improve outcomes for mothers and babies during complicated deliveries.

“President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.”

“President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across South Carolina,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.”

Today’s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act — passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats — delivering a historic $50 billion investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America.

“This investment will make a meaningful difference for rural communities across South Carolina, and we are grateful for the federal support that is helping providers strengthen their health care systems and prepare for the future. These resources will help ensure South Carolinians have access to quality health care close to home and give providers the support they need to meet the needs of their communities,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.

“More than $167 million in funding coming to South Carolina will help rural hospitals modernize facilities, upgrade technology, and strengthen workforce development to improve care for patients," said Sen. Tim Scott. "Through the Rural Health Transformation Program, we’re expanding access to high-quality, lifesaving healthcare so every South Carolinian can receive the care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives."

“The quality of care you receive shouldn’t be determined by living in a rural area or a city. I commend the Trump Administration and my fellow Republicans in Congress for the commitment to strengthening rural health care across the country, including in South Carolina. With more than $167 million in grant funding awarded from the Rural Health Transformation Program, South Carolinians will have greater access to innovative health care solutions. I will strongly support similar programs, focused on improving rural health care outcomes,” said Sen. Darline Graham.

"No mother should wonder where she will deliver. No parent should watch a sick child go without help. No South Carolinian should be left behind when their family needs care. I voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill because it delivers real results for South Carolina, and these grants are proof. We also worked with SCRA and SCDHHS, connected eligible organizations with the application process, and provided letters of support to help bring this funding home. Rural families deserve care close to home. Now they are getting it,” said Rep. Nancy Mace.

"I was grateful to stand with my House Republican colleagues in passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to deliver cost of living relief to American families. President Trump has boldly driven down healthcare costs, while expanding critical access to rural healthcare, including the CMS announcement of more than $167 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grants — which will directly benefit South Carolina families,” said Rep. Joe Wilson.

"Many of the rural communities in our state face longstanding barriers and limited access to essential health services. This $167 million investment from the Working Families Tax Cut will expand innovative care models, enhance workforce capacity, and improve the delivery of vital services that families in rural areas rely on. This funding is an important step toward ensuring that every South Carolina resident can rely on high-quality care, no matter where they live," said Rep. Sheri Biggs.

“More than $167 million for rural healthcare is a major win for South Carolina. I voted for President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts to deliver results exactly like this for the people we represent, securing critical investments that will strengthen hospitals, expand access to lifesaving care, modernize facilities, and grow our healthcare workforce across the Palmetto State. Rural South Carolina is the backbone of our state, and our communities deserve first-class healthcare close to home. We fought to bring these resources home. Now South Carolina families will see the results,” said Rep. William Timmons IV.

"Nearly 20% of South Carolinians live in rural communities, and they should not have to drive hours just to receive quality health care. These resources can make a real difference by strengthening local providers and expanding access to critical services. Every taxpayer dollar should be spent wisely and deliver results, and I look forward to seeing these funds put to work improving healthcare for South Carolinians,” said Rep. Ralph Norman.

“Today’s funding announcement is yet another example of the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans’ commitment to strengthening rural healthcare,” said Rep. Russell Fry. “The Working Families Tax Cuts is delivering the resources rural communities need to ensure that every South Carolinian can access quality care regardless of their zip code or how far they live from an urban hub. The Rural Health Transformation Program was created to deliver real investments in rural communities while strengthening and modernizing care, and I’m proud to see that happening in South Carolina. Promises made, promises kept.”

Today’s announcement is one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to South Carolina for fiscal year 2026.

Key initiatives this overall RHTP funding will focus on include:

• Connections to Care: Expanding electronic health records, telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and other digital tools to improve access and care coordination. 
  
  
• Leveling Up: Scaling proven approaches in chronic disease management, pediatric care, and workforce development across rural communities.
  
  
• Wellness Within Reach: Expanding mobile health services, crisis response, pop-up clinics, and other approaches that bring care closer to rural residents.
  
  
• Shoring Up Sustainability: Supporting workforce recruitment, facility upgrades, provider training, and maternal healthcare partnerships to strengthen rural providers. 

The Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize technology to promote health and well-being for rural communities. Led by CMS, the RHTP is moving beyond the failed one-size-fits-all approach and giving rural communities the tools to build stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable health systems that deliver better care and better outcomes for the Americans they serve.

For more information about the RHTP, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/rural-health.

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