To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the definition of critical access hospital under the Medicare program to include certain hospitals on Indian reservations.
This bill amends the Social Security Act to expand the definition of critical access hospital under the Medicare program, specifically targeting facilities located on Indian reservations. Beginning August 1, 2025, states may designate a facility on a reservation as a critical access hospital if it is located more than a 35-mile drive (or 15-mile drive in certain terrains) from another hospital that is either on a reservation or operated by the Indian Health Service, an Indian tribe, or an urban Indian organization. This provision aims to improve healthcare access in tribal communities by allowing more facilities to qualify for critical access hospital status, which provides enhanced Medicare reimbursement. Furthermore, these designated facilities on Indian reservations will be permitted to establish psychiatric and rehabilitation distinct part units without being subject to the usual limitation on the number of beds.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Native Americans
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the definition of critical access hospital under the Medicare program to include certain hospitals on Indian reservations.
USA119th CongressHR-4258| House
| Updated: 6/30/2025
This bill amends the Social Security Act to expand the definition of critical access hospital under the Medicare program, specifically targeting facilities located on Indian reservations. Beginning August 1, 2025, states may designate a facility on a reservation as a critical access hospital if it is located more than a 35-mile drive (or 15-mile drive in certain terrains) from another hospital that is either on a reservation or operated by the Indian Health Service, an Indian tribe, or an urban Indian organization. This provision aims to improve healthcare access in tribal communities by allowing more facilities to qualify for critical access hospital status, which provides enhanced Medicare reimbursement. Furthermore, these designated facilities on Indian reservations will be permitted to establish psychiatric and rehabilitation distinct part units without being subject to the usual limitation on the number of beds.