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Bill > HR1775


US HR1775

US HR1775
Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act


summary

Introduced
03/03/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

119th Congress

Bill Summary

A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modify the criteria for designation of rural emergency hospitals.

AI Summary

This bill expands the definition of Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) under Medicare to include certain hospitals that ceased operations between 2014 and 2020. Specifically, the bill allows facilities that were previously critical access hospitals or subsection (d) hospitals located in rural areas and have since stopped operating to potentially be redesignated as REHs. The bill modifies existing Medicare rules to provide these hospitals with a second chance to serve their communities. There are some geographic restrictions: if a facility is located less than 35 miles from another hospital, critical access hospital, or REH, it will not receive the usual payment increase typically associated with rural emergency hospital status. Similarly, facilities within 10 miles of another hospital face additional limitations. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, giving these rural healthcare facilities a pathway to potentially reopen and continue providing essential emergency medical services in underserved areas. The bill aims to support rural healthcare infrastructure by creating more flexible options for hospitals that have previously closed.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (8)

Last Action

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (on 03/03/2025)

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