Bill · H.R. 1775· House(119-HR-1775)
Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act
- Introduced
- 3/3/2025
- Last activity
- 3/3/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- Sponsored by
- Jodey Arrington
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act,'' aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The primary goal is to modify the criteria used for designating rural emergency hospitals under the Medicare program. It expands the definition of a rural emergency hospital to include certain facilities that previously operated as critical access hospitals or subsection (d) hospitals in rural areas but have since ceased operations. Additionally, the bill adjusts payment rules for these facilities. These changes are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+7
The bill provides a pathway for former rural hospitals to re-enter the healthcare system as rural emergency hospitals.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+6
The bill facilitates the reopening or designation of former critical access or subsection (d) hospitals as rural emergency hospitals to improve access in rural areas.
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?+5
The bill expands the definition of rural emergency hospitals, allowing more facilities to potentially access Medicare payments.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Expanded Designation Opportunities: The bill allows certain facilities that were previously critical access hospitals or subsection (d) hospitals in rural areas—and that have ceased operations—to potentially qualify as rural emergency hospitals (Section 2(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restricted Payment Increases: For certain facilities described in section 1861(kkk)(3)(B), a payment increase will not apply if the facility is located less than 35 miles away from the nearest hospital, critical access hospital, or rural emergency hospital (Section 2(b)).
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Exclusions from Rural Emergency Hospital Status: The bill adds an exclusion for facilities described in section 1861(kkk)(3)(B) that are located less than 10 miles away from the nearest hospital, critical access hospital, or rural emergency hospital when determining status as a rural emergency hospital (Section 2(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6Increases Medicare Funding+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+7Good For Low Income Households+3
- 3/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/16/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/6/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/14/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/6/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/3/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Ron EstesRepublican · Kansas
Carol MillerRepublican · West Virginia
Nathaniel MoranRepublican · Texas
August PflugerRepublican · Texas
Pete SessionsRepublican · Texas
Adrian SmithRepublican · Nebraska
Melanie StansburyDemocrat · New Mexico
Bennie ThompsonDemocrat · Mississippi
Jill TokudaDemocrat · Hawaii