Save our Lone Emergency Services Act; SOLES Act
Summary
The Save our Lone Emergency Services Act (SOLES Act) aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. It seeks to establish a payment floor for sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii under the hospital outpatient prospective payment system. This bill ensures these hospitals receive at least 94% of their reasonable costs for covered outpatient services.
Expected Effects
The SOLES Act will increase payments to sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii if their current payments fall below 94% of their reasonable costs. This adjustment is intended to support these hospitals, which are often the only source of emergency care in their communities. The Secretary will be required to issue regulations within six months to implement these changes.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures financial stability for sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii.
- Guarantees a minimum level of reimbursement for outpatient services.
- Supports access to healthcare in remote and underserved areas.
- Prevents potential hospital closures due to financial shortfalls.
- Improves the quality of emergency services in these communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase overall healthcare costs, potentially impacting the federal budget.
- Could create a precedent for similar payment adjustments for other types of hospitals or in other regions.
- Requires the Secretary to develop and implement new regulations, adding administrative burden.
- The definition of 'reasonable costs' could be subject to interpretation and potential disputes.
- May not address other underlying issues affecting the financial viability of these hospitals.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill falls under the purview of Congress's power to legislate on matters related to healthcare and the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution. Specifically, Congress has the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The Social Security Act, which this bill amends, is a key component of the federal government's efforts to provide for the welfare of its citizens.
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).