To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise regulations to remove the requirement under the Medicare program that an off-campus facility or organization shall be located within a 35-mile radius of a hospital or critical access hospital.

1/29/2025, 9:20 AM
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Bill 119 HR 772, also known as the "Medicare Access to Care Act," aims to amend regulations within the Medicare program that currently require off-campus facilities or organizations to be located within a 35-mile radius of a hospital or critical access hospital. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise these regulations, effectively removing this geographical restriction.

The purpose of this bill is to increase access to care for Medicare beneficiaries by allowing off-campus facilities to operate without being limited by proximity to a hospital. This change would enable more individuals to receive necessary medical services and treatments, particularly in rural or underserved areas where hospitals may be scarce.

By eliminating the 35-mile radius requirement, the bill seeks to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce barriers to care for Medicare beneficiaries. This legislation has the potential to positively impact the healthcare system by expanding access to services and promoting better health outcomes for individuals across the country. Overall, Bill 119 HR 772 represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access and quality for Medicare beneficiaries by removing unnecessary restrictions on off-campus facilities.
Congress
119

Number
HR - 772

Introduced on
2025-01-28

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Bill 119 HR 772, also known as the "Medicare Access to Care Act," aims to amend regulations within the Medicare program that currently require off-campus facilities or organizations to be located within a 35-mile radius of a hospital or critical access hospital. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise these regulations, effectively removing this geographical restriction.

The purpose of this bill is to increase access to care for Medicare beneficiaries by allowing off-campus facilities to operate without being limited by proximity to a hospital. This change would enable more individuals to receive necessary medical services and treatments, particularly in rural or underserved areas where hospitals may be scarce.

By eliminating the 35-mile radius requirement, the bill seeks to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce barriers to care for Medicare beneficiaries. This legislation has the potential to positively impact the healthcare system by expanding access to services and promoting better health outcomes for individuals across the country. Overall, Bill 119 HR 772 represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access and quality for Medicare beneficiaries by removing unnecessary restrictions on off-campus facilities.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise regulations to remove the requirement under the Medicare program that an off-campus facility or organization shall be located within a 35-mile radius of a hospital or critical access hospital.

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Action1/28/2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the ...