Bill > HR4258

This bill amends the Social Security Act to expand the definition of critical access hospital (CAH) under Medicare to include certain hospitals located on Indian reservations. Starting August 1, 2025, states will be allowed to designate a facility as a critical access hospital if it is located on a reservation and is more than 35 miles away from another hospital (or 15 miles in mountainous terrain or areas with only secondary roads). The bill specifically applies to facilities located on reservations, including those operated by the Indian Health Service, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or urban Indian organizations. Additionally, these facilities will be permitted to establish psychiatric and rehabilitation distinct part units without the usual bed number limitations that typically apply to critical access hospitals. This change aims to improve healthcare access for Native American communities in rural or remote areas by providing more flexibility in hospital designation and operation under the Medicare program.