AHA-supported bill to aid small rural hospitals introduced in Senate 

Apr 11, 2022 - 03:16 PM
rural hospital comment

Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, last week introduced a Senate companion to the Rural Hospital Support Act (H.R. 1887/S. 4009), AHA-supported legislation that would make permanent the Medicare-Dependent Hospital program and enhanced low-volume Medicare adjustment for small rural prospective payment system hospitals. The bill also would allow sole community hospitals and MDHs to choose an additional base year from which payments can be calculated. 

The bill will help keep the doors open at rural hospitals and allow them to continue serving their local communities during an unprecedented time of sustained financial pressure and historic changes in care delivery, AHA wrote. 

Reps. Tom Reed, R-N.Y., and Terri Sewell, D-Ala., introduced the House bill last year.

Related News Articles

Headline
HRSA awards $11 million to expand medical residencies in rural communities
The Health Resources and Services Administration June 13 awarded more than $11 million to 15 organizations to strengthen the health care workforce in rural…
Headline
CMS estimates national health spending grew 7.5% in 2023
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates national health spending grew 7.5% in 2023, reflecting increases in insurance growth, the agency…
Headline
MedPAC releases June report to Congress, opts against recommending further adjustment to IRF reimbursement
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission June 13 released its June report to Congress. As urged by the AHA, the commission did not recommend a payment…
Headline
Congress reintroduces Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act to streamline prior authorization under Medicare Advantage
The AHA praised House and Senate leaders in letters June 12 for reintroducing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation that…
Headline
MACPAC recommends increased transparency on Medicaid and CHIP financing 
The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) June 11 released its June report to Congress. The first chapter focuses on improving the…
Headline
Supreme Court to hear case challenging HHS’ interpretation of DSH formula 
The Supreme Court June 10 agreed to review a case challenging how the Department of Health and Human Services applies Congress’ formula for calculating…