Bill > S552

This bill, known as the CRITICAL Act (Comprehensive Reimbursement Initiative Targeting Investment and Care in rural Locations), focuses on increasing Medicare reimbursement rates for critical access hospitals located in noncontiguous states (which primarily means Alaska and Hawaii) starting January 1, 2026. Specifically, the bill raises the reimbursement percentage from 101% to 105% for several types of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient critical access hospital services, ambulance services, and skilled nursing facility services provided by critical access hospitals in these states. A critical access hospital is typically a small facility located in a rural area that provides essential healthcare services to remote communities. By increasing reimbursement rates, the bill aims to support healthcare infrastructure and access in geographically challenging and isolated regions, recognizing the unique challenges these hospitals face in delivering medical care. The proposed changes would apply to services provided on or after January 1, 2026, giving hospitals time to prepare for the new reimbursement rates.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/552/all-info