Bill > HR771

This bill aims to modify the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program by removing existing mileage restrictions that currently limit which rural facilities can be designated as critical access hospitals (CAHs). Specifically, the bill amends Section 1820 of the Social Security Act by eliminating the previous geographic proximity requirements that restricted CAH designations. Critical access hospitals are typically small, rural medical facilities that provide essential healthcare services in areas with limited medical infrastructure. Under the current law, these hospitals had to meet specific distance criteria to qualify for the designation, but this bill would allow states to designate rural facilities as critical access hospitals without those previous mileage limitations. The changes would apply to any hospital designations or redesignations made on or after the bill's enactment date. By removing these geographic restrictions, the bill seeks to improve healthcare access and support for rural communities by giving states more flexibility in defining and supporting critical healthcare facilities.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/771/all-info