Bill > HR5064

This bill seeks to modify the limitations on Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment adjustments under the Medicaid program. DSH payments are additional funds provided to hospitals that serve a large number of low-income patients. The bill amends Section 1923 of the Social Security Act to expand the types of payments that can be considered when calculating DSH payments, including payments from Medicare (Title XVIII) and other applicable health plans. It allows states more flexibility in distributing unspent DSH allotments from previous years, permitting them to increase hospital payment adjustments for rate years beginning after October 1, 2021, as long as the total adjustments do not exceed the state's DSH allotment. The bill also prevents states from recouping payments already made to hospitals under the previous rules and provides a mechanism for states to retroactively modify their state plans to increase hospital payments. Additionally, states must report any increased payment adjustments in their annual reports. The legislation is titled the "Save our Safety-Net Hospitals Act of 2025" and aims to provide more financial support to hospitals that serve vulnerable populations.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5064/all-info