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Critical Access Hospital (CAH)

A small, rural hospital that receives special Medicare payments to help ensure access to healthcare services in remote areas. They typically have 25 or fewer beds and provide 24/7 emergency care.

Medicare Program

A federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant).

Social Security Act

A foundational law passed in 1935 that established a system of social welfare in the U.S., including provisions for old-age insurance, unemployment, and aid for dependent mothers and children. Title XVIII specifically deals with Medicare.

Location Requirement

A rule for Critical Access Hospitals typically requiring them to be a certain distance (e.g., 35 miles) from another hospital to qualify for the special designation.

Rural Emergency Hospital

A newer type of facility created to allow small rural hospitals to convert to an emergency-only model while retaining certain Medicare benefits, if they discontinue inpatient services.