Access to Community Care Act of 2026

(iv) Priority for expanding service applications from certain entities. In carrying out clause (i), the Secretary shall give special consideration to expanded service applications from eligible entities that seek to provide services described in subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2) that serve an area that (as determined by the Secretary)—

(I) received a significant increase in new patients due to the closure of a Federally qualified health center (as defined in section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act) located within or near such area during the four-year period that precedes the date on which the application is submitted;

(II) is affected by a public health emergency declared under section 319 during the one-year period that precedes the date on which the application is submitted; or

(III) is affected by a major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act during such one-year period.