H.R.1805 - Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act; ARCH Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1805, the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (ARCH Act), aims to support rural hospitals by extending Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) and Medicare low-volume hospital (LVH) payment programs through fiscal year 2031. It also directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a report on Medicare rural hospital classifications. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 3, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would ensure continued financial support for rural hospitals that rely on Medicare payments, preventing potential closures and maintaining healthcare access in rural communities. The GAO report could lead to simplification and improvements in rural hospital classifications, potentially enhancing their financial stability. The extension of the MDH and LVH programs aims to provide stability for these hospitals.
Potential Benefits
- Continued Medicare Payments: Extends critical Medicare payments to rural hospitals, ensuring their financial viability.
- Healthcare Access: Maintains access to healthcare services for individuals in rural areas.
- GAO Report: The GAO report will analyze and recommend improvements to rural hospital classifications.
- Financial Stability: Promotes the financial sustainability of rural hospitals.
- Program Simplification: Simplifies the classification system for rural hospitals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Medicare Spending: Extending the payment programs could increase overall Medicare spending.
- Limited Scope: The bill primarily focuses on financial aspects and may not address other challenges faced by rural hospitals.
- Potential for Inefficiency: Continued payments without significant reform could perpetuate inefficiencies in some rural hospitals.
- Delayed Impact: The GAO report's recommendations may take time to implement and show results.
- Lack of Comprehensive Reform: The bill does not address broader healthcare system issues affecting rural hospitals.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by aiming to improve healthcare access in rural communities. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to Medicare under Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The bill's provisions related to Medicare payments and GAO reporting fall within this scope.
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).