House BillHR 772MedicareRural conditions and development
Rural ER Access Act
INTRO JAN 28· LAST ACTION JAN 28
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it directly impacts access to healthcare in rural communities. Many rural areas struggle with a lack of medical facilities, and the current 35-mile rule can make it financially challenging for hospitals to maintain satellite clinics or outpatient services far from their main campus. If this bill becomes law, it could make it more economically feasible for healthcare providers to establish or keep open clinics, urgent care centers, and other vital services in underserved rural areas, potentially saving lives by increasing access to emergency care and primary health services.
Without this bill, the existing geographical restriction remains, potentially limiting the expansion of healthcare services in remote communities where a local hospital might be more than 35 miles away. Passing this bill could mean more options for care closer to home, while not passing it means the status quo continues, potentially exacerbating the healthcare access challenges faced by many rural Americans.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Removes the requirement that an off-campus healthcare facility must be within a 35-mile radius of a main hospital to receive 'provider-based status' under Medicare.
This change aims to allow more distant satellite clinics, especially in rural areas, to operate under the financial umbrella of a larger hospital system.
PROVISION 02
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise relevant Medicare regulations within 60 days of the bill becoming law.
This sets a clear and relatively quick timeline for the implementation of the policy change.
PROVISION 03
Applies to 'off-campus facilities or organizations' that seek 'provider-based status' under the Medicare program.
This clarifies which types of healthcare entities and services are targeted by the proposed regulatory change.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Voters should care about this bill because it directly impacts access to healthcare in rural communities. Many rural areas struggle with a lack of medical facilities, and the current 35-mile rule can make it financially challenging for hospitals to maintain satellite clinics or outpatient services far from their main campus. If this bill becomes law, it could make it more economically feasible for healthcare providers to establish or keep open clinics, urgent care centers, and other vital services in underserved rural areas, potentially saving lives by increasing access to emergency care and primary health services.
Without this bill, the existing geographical restriction remains, potentially limiting the expansion of healthcare services in remote communities where a local hospital might be more than 35 miles away. Passing this bill could mean more options for care closer to home, while not passing it means the status quo continues, potentially exacerbating the healthcare access challenges faced by many rural Americans.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Removes the requirement that an off-campus healthcare facility must be within a 35-mile radius of a main hospital to receive 'provider-based status' under Medicare.
This change aims to allow more distant satellite clinics, especially in rural areas, to operate under the financial umbrella of a larger hospital system.
med
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise relevant Medicare regulations within 60 days of the bill becoming law.
This sets a clear and relatively quick timeline for the implementation of the policy change.
med
Applies to 'off-campus facilities or organizations' that seek 'provider-based status' under the Medicare program.
This clarifies which types of healthcare entities and services are targeted by the proposed regulatory change.
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act
Secretary of Health and Human Services must revise regulations to remove the 35-mile radius requirement.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Off-campus facility or organization
A healthcare clinic, urgent care center, or other outpatient service that is part of a larger hospital system but is located away from the main hospital building.
Medicare program
A federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease.
Critical access hospital
A small rural hospital that provides limited inpatient and outpatient services, receiving special funding from Medicare to help ensure healthcare access in remote areas.
Provider-based status
A designation given to certain off-campus facilities that allows them to bill Medicare as if they are part of a hospital, often resulting in higher reimbursement rates.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
The head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, responsible for implementing federal health policies and regulations.
Code of Federal Regulations
The official collection of all general and permanent rules published by the executive departments and agencies of the U.S. federal government.
Enactment of this Act
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 28, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 28, 25
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The date on which a bill officially becomes law after being passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, or otherwise becoming law without the President's signature.
