Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act

Hozzl · 2026-08-04T08:06:09Z

Explore the details of House Bill 9642 Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

8/4/2026, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 9642

The Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act (H.R. 9642) was introduced in the 119th Congress on July 13, 2026. The bill aims to improve access to anesthesia services in rural areas. Specific provisions of the bill may include measures to incentivize anesthesiologists to practice in rural settings, enhance training programs for rural anesthesiology, and address any barriers that hinder access to anesthesia care for rural residents. For the full text and details of the bill, refer to the official PDF version available at https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr9642/BILLS-119hr9642ih.pdf.

Congressional Summary of HR 9642

Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act

This bill modifies the Medicare payment methodology for anesthesiologists in rural hospitals.

Specifically, the bill provides that payment must be made on a reasonable cost basis for anesthesiologists in rural hospitals and critical access hospitals that have no more than 800 surgical procedures requiring anesthesia services per year (or a higher number set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 9642

Bill HR 9642 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 13, 2026. Bill HR 9642 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on July 13, 2026. Bill HR 9642's most recent activity was Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 41 - 0. as of July 15, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 9642

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 9642

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 9642

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide payment under part A of the Medicare program on a reasonable cost basis for anesthesia services furnished by an anesthesiologist in certain rural hospitals and critical access hospitals.

Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act