Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2023

Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2023

This bill repeals the 96-hour physician-certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services under Medicare. Under current law, as a condition for Medicare payment for such services, a physician must certify that a patient may reasonably be expected to be discharged or transferred to a hospital within 96 hours after admission to the critical access hospital.

Bill 118 HR 1565, also known as the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2023, aims to provide financial relief to Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in the United States. These hospitals are designated as such because they are located in rural areas and play a crucial role in providing healthcare services to underserved communities.

The bill proposes several measures to support CAHs, including increasing Medicare reimbursement rates for services provided by these hospitals. This increase in reimbursement rates is intended to help CAHs cover the costs of providing care to patients, many of whom may be uninsured or underinsured.

Additionally, the bill seeks to streamline the process for CAHs to receive funding and support from the federal government. This includes simplifying the application process for grants and loans, as well as providing technical assistance to help CAHs navigate the complex healthcare system. Overall, the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2023 aims to ensure that CAHs have the resources they need to continue providing essential healthcare services to rural communities. By increasing reimbursement rates and streamlining the funding process, the bill seeks to alleviate financial burdens on CAHs and help them remain viable and sustainable in the long term.