Bill > S335

This bill addresses several important provisions related to rural hospitals and Medicare payment calculations. The legislation focuses on rebasing payment calculations for Sole Community Hospitals (SCHs) and Medicare-Dependent Hospitals (MDHs) by using fiscal year 2016 as the new base cost reporting period, which could potentially increase payments for these hospitals if the new calculation method results in higher reimbursement. The bill extends the Medicare-Dependent Hospital program indefinitely, removing previous expiration dates, and prevents the Secretary of Health and Human Services from making certain adjustments to hospital classifications and payment weighting factors for hospitals using the new rebased target amounts. Additionally, the bill modifies the Medicare Low-Volume Hospital Program by updating payment increase provisions and removing specific fiscal year limitations. These changes aim to provide more financial stability and support for rural hospitals, which often face significant economic challenges in maintaining healthcare services in less populated areas.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/335/all-info