H.R.772 - Rural ER Access Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.772, the Rural ER Access Act, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise Medicare regulations. The revision involves removing the 35-mile radius requirement for off-campus facilities or organizations to be considered eligible for provider-based status under the Medicare program. This bill aims to improve access to emergency care in rural areas.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would allow off-campus facilities further than 35 miles from a hospital or critical access hospital to qualify for Medicare reimbursement. This could lead to an expansion of emergency services in underserved rural communities. The change could also affect the financial viability of existing rural healthcare providers.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to emergency medical services in rural areas.
- Potential for new healthcare facilities and job creation in rural communities.
- Greater flexibility for hospitals and critical access hospitals in establishing off-campus facilities.
- Reduced travel times for patients in need of emergency care.
- Improved healthcare outcomes for rural populations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for overutilization of services due to increased access.
- Possible strain on existing rural healthcare infrastructure if not managed properly.
- Risk of reduced quality of care if new facilities are not adequately staffed or equipped.
- Financial challenges for smaller, independent rural hospitals that may not be able to compete with larger systems establishing off-campus facilities.
- Unintended consequences related to reimbursement rates and healthcare costs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to healthcare and Medicare under its enumerated powers. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or protections.
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).