Bill > A01708

This bill amends the New York Public Health Law to provide enhanced payment rates for rural hospitals that are designated as Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), which are small facilities located in rural areas that provide essential healthcare services. Specifically, beginning April 1, 2027, these rural CAHs will receive payment rates equal to 101% of their reasonable costs for various medical services, including diagnostic and treatment center services, emergency services, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, ambulatory surgical services, and referred ambulatory services. The reasonable costs will be determined in a manner consistent with Medicare (Title XVIII of the federal Social Security Act) payment methods for outpatient critical access hospital services. For hospitals without sufficient historical cost data, their rates will be based on budgeted costs and subsequently adjusted to 101% of their actual reasonable costs. The bill's implementation is contingent upon specific appropriation of funds for this purpose, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1708