H.R.1191 - Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1191, the Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025, aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The bill proposes waiving certain distance requirements for specific hospitals seeking designation as critical access hospitals (CAHs). This waiver applies to rural community hospitals that participated in a demonstration program under Section 410A of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to increase the number of rural hospitals that can qualify as critical access hospitals. This could lead to increased federal funding and resources for these hospitals. Ultimately, this aims to improve healthcare access in rural communities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare services in rural areas.
- Potential for improved financial stability for rural hospitals.
- Enhanced ability for rural hospitals to provide necessary medical care.
- Support for rural community hospitals that participated in demonstration programs.
- May lead to better health outcomes for rural populations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased federal spending on healthcare.
- Possible strain on existing resources if more hospitals qualify as CAHs.
- Risk of hospitals becoming CAHs solely for financial benefits, without significantly improving care quality.
- Could create disparities if some rural hospitals are excluded from the waiver.
- May not address other underlying issues affecting rural healthcare, such as workforce shortages.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve healthcare access for rural populations. The Constitution grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States (Article I, Section 8). This bill falls under that purview by allocating resources to healthcare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).