SOLES Act

Bill 119 s 553, also known as the Sole Community Hospital Preservation Act, aims to make changes to title XVIII of the Social Security Act in order to ensure that sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii receive a minimum level of payment under the hospital outpatient prospective payment system. Sole community hospitals are facilities that are the sole provider of hospital services in a particular area, often in rural or remote locations. These hospitals play a crucial role in providing essential healthcare services to residents in these regions. The bill proposes to establish a minimum payment floor for these hospitals to ensure that they receive adequate reimbursement for the services they provide. This is particularly important for hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii, where the cost of providing healthcare services is often higher due to factors such as geographic isolation and limited resources. By setting a minimum payment floor, the bill aims to help sustain these vital healthcare facilities and ensure that they can continue to serve their communities effectively. This legislation is crucial in supporting access to healthcare in underserved areas and ensuring that all individuals have access to quality medical care, regardless of their location.