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Critical Access Hospital (CAH)

A small rural hospital that receives special payments from Medicare to help it stay open and provide emergency and other essential healthcare services in isolated areas. These hospitals typically have a maximum of 25 inpatient beds and must meet certain distance requirements from other hospitals.

Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program

A past federal program established in 2003 that allowed certain rural hospitals to try alternative payment methods and other flexibilities to help them remain financially viable and continue serving their communities.

Social Security Act

A foundational federal law that established many social welfare programs in the United States, including Medicare and Medicaid, which provide health insurance for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals.

Distance Requirements

Rules that dictate how far apart hospitals must be from each other to qualify for certain designations, such as Critical Access Hospital status. These are usually set to prevent redundant services and ensure efficient use of resources.