S.521 - Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.521, the Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025, aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The amendment would waive certain distance requirements for specific hospitals seeking designation as critical access hospitals (CAHs). This is intended to support rural community hospitals by making it easier for them to achieve CAH status.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would allow certain rural community hospitals that participated in a demonstration program under section 410A of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to be designated as critical access hospitals, even if they don't meet standard distance requirements. This could increase federal funding and resources available to these hospitals.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare services in rural communities.
- Financial support for struggling rural hospitals, preventing closures.
- Improved quality of care through CAH designation standards.
- Enhanced emergency services in underserved areas.
- Economic stimulus for rural communities through hospital stability.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased healthcare costs due to increased CAH designations.
- Possible strain on federal resources due to increased payments to CAHs.
- Risk of hospitals becoming CAHs primarily for financial gain rather than improved service.
- Could create disparities if only certain hospitals are eligible for the waiver.
- May not address all the underlying issues facing rural healthcare.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has broad authority to legislate on matters related to healthcare under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8) to execute its powers to provide for the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).