H.R.1708 - Rebuild America’s Health Care Schools Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1708, the Rebuild America’s Health Care Schools Act of 2025, aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The bill focuses on adjusting allowable direct and indirect costs for nursing and allied health education programs. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to include all direct and indirect costs incurred by hospitals participating in licensed or accredited nursing and allied health education programs when determining reasonable costs under Medicare.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase Medicare payments to hospitals that operate nursing and allied health education programs. It also prohibits the Secretary from recouping or reducing payments for costs related to these programs if they would be allowable under the amended guidelines. Additionally, the Secretary is required to refund amounts recouped during the six years prior to the bill's enactment if those costs would now be allowable.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for nursing and allied health education programs.
- Reduced financial burden on hospitals providing such programs.
- Potential for improved quality and accessibility of healthcare education.
- Encourages hospitals to invest in training future healthcare professionals.
- Refunds to hospitals for previously recouped costs, providing financial relief.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased Medicare costs, impacting the federal budget.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of funds if oversight is inadequate.
- Possible administrative burden for hospitals and the Secretary of HHS in implementing the changes.
- May not address other systemic issues in healthcare education, such as faculty shortages or curriculum challenges.
- Could disproportionately benefit larger hospital systems with established education programs.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is primarily through the General Welfare Clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to promote the general welfare, and this bill aims to improve healthcare education, which can contribute to a healthier population. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
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).