summary
Introduced
05/07/2025
05/07/2025
In Committee
05/07/2025
05/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
119th Congress
Bill Summary
A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a floor on the work geographic index for physicians’ services furnished in Hawaii.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Protecting Access to Care in Hawaii Act (PATCH Act), amends the Social Security Act to establish a minimum work geographic index (WGI) for physicians' services in Hawaii. The work geographic index is a factor used to adjust Medicare payments to physicians based on local labor costs, which can vary significantly across different regions of the United States. Specifically, the bill mandates that starting January 1, 2026, if the calculated work geographic index for Hawaii would be less than 1.5, it will be automatically increased to 1.5. Importantly, this adjustment will not be implemented in a budget-neutral manner, meaning it will increase overall Medicare spending for physician services in Hawaii. The purpose of this provision appears to be ensuring that physicians in Hawaii receive more equitable compensation that reflects the higher cost of living and operating a medical practice in the state.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 05/07/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3263/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr3263/BILLS-119hr3263ih.pdf |
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