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To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to support rural residency training funding that is equitable for all States, and for other purposes.
2/14/2025, 9:06 AM
Summary of Bill HR 1153
The main goal of the bill is to provide equal opportunities for medical residents to receive training in rural areas, where there is a shortage of healthcare providers. By ensuring that funding is distributed equitably, the bill aims to encourage more medical professionals to practice in rural communities, ultimately improving access to healthcare for residents in these underserved areas.
In addition to addressing funding disparities, the bill also includes provisions to support the recruitment and retention of healthcare providers in rural areas. This includes incentives for medical professionals to practice in rural communities, as well as funding for programs that promote healthcare workforce diversity. Overall, the Rural Residency Training Funding Equity Act seeks to level the playing field for rural residency programs and improve access to healthcare for residents in underserved areas across the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 1153
Rural Physician Workforce Production Act of 2025
This bill allows certain hospitals to receive additional payment under Medicare for full-time equivalent residents who receive training in rural areas.
Specifically, hospitals, critical access hospitals, sole community hospitals, and rural emergency hospitals may elect to receive payment for time spent by a resident in a rural training location if the resident trains for at least eight weeks in the location and the hospital pays the salary and benefits of the resident during this time. Additionally, hospitals may receive payment for all time spent by residents in a residency program in which 50% of all training is in rural locations, regardless of where the training occurs or specialty.
Payments are based on the difference between the total amount of eligible payments (as determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and the amount of graduate medical education payments received (if applicable).
