H.R.771 - Rural Health Care Access Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.771, the Rural Health Care Access Act of 2025, aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The bill seeks to remove mileage limitations for designating rural facilities as critical access hospitals (CAHs). This change would allow more rural hospitals to qualify for CAH status, potentially increasing Medicare reimbursements and supporting healthcare access in underserved areas.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to broaden the criteria for rural hospitals to be designated as critical access hospitals. This could lead to increased federal funding for these hospitals through Medicare. Ultimately, the goal is to improve healthcare access in rural communities by ensuring the financial viability of local hospitals.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare services in rural areas.
- Improved financial stability for rural hospitals.
- Enhanced ability for rural hospitals to provide necessary medical care.
- Potential for attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural communities.
- Greater flexibility for states in designating critical access hospitals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased Medicare spending.
- Possible strain on the Medicare system if too many hospitals are designated as CAHs.
- Risk of misallocation of resources if designations are not carefully monitored.
- Could incentivize unnecessary hospitalizations in some cases.
- May not address all the underlying issues affecting rural healthcare access, such as workforce shortages.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to enact laws that promote the general welfare of the United States. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
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).