Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act
USA119th CongressHR-4269| House
| Updated: 6/30/2025
Jill N. Tokuda
Democratic Representative
Hawaii
Cosponsors (2)
Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor
- Passed Chamber
- Enacted
This bill proposes to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to introduce a significant change for healthcare providers in Alaska and Hawaii. Specifically, it seeks to apply a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the non-labor related portion of payment amounts for hospital outpatient department services furnished in these states. The proposed amendment grants the Secretary the authority to implement these adjustments for services provided on or after January 1, 2026. This mechanism mirrors the existing COLA application for inpatient services under section 1886(d)(5)(H) of the Social Security Act, recognizing the unique circumstances faced by hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii. Crucially, the bill specifies that these adjustments shall not be applied in a budget-neutral manner , aiming to provide additional financial support to these regions.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
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.
Health
Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act
USA119th CongressHR-4269| House
| Updated: 6/30/2025
This bill proposes to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to introduce a significant change for healthcare providers in Alaska and Hawaii. Specifically, it seeks to apply a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the non-labor related portion of payment amounts for hospital outpatient department services furnished in these states. The proposed amendment grants the Secretary the authority to implement these adjustments for services provided on or after January 1, 2026. This mechanism mirrors the existing COLA application for inpatient services under section 1886(d)(5)(H) of the Social Security Act, recognizing the unique circumstances faced by hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii. Crucially, the bill specifies that these adjustments shall not be applied in a budget-neutral manner , aiming to provide additional financial support to these regions.
Suggested Questions
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
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.
Jill N. Tokuda
Democratic Representative
Hawaii
Cosponsors (2)
Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Health
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor
- Passed Chamber
- Enacted