Bill · H.R. 4250· House(119-HR-4250)
SOLES Act
- Introduced
- 6/30/2025
- Last activity
- 6/30/2025 — 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 committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Nicholas Begich
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Save our Lone Emergency Services Act" or the "SOLES Act," aims to amend the Social Security Act. It seeks to establish a payment floor for sole community hospitals located in Alaska and Hawaii. Specifically, it targets payments made under the hospital outpatient prospective payment system. If payments fall below 94 percent of reasonable costs, the payment amount will be increased to cover that difference. This change would be implemented regardless of budget neutrality requirements.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+6
Rural residents in Alaska and Hawaii gain more stable local healthcare services.
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?+5
The bill increases Medicare payments specifically for sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+5
Ensuring financial stability for sole community hospitals helps maintain healthcare access in remote areas of Alaska and Hawaii.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Funding for Specific Hospitals: Sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii would receive increased payments if their current payments for covered outpatient services are less than 94 percent of their reasonable costs (Section 2, Paragraph 23A).
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Financial Stability for Outpatient Services: By establishing a floor on payments, the bill ensures these specific hospitals receive more funds to help cover the reasonable costs of providing services (Section 2, Paragraph 23A).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not list any specific provisions that would result in negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Retirees+3Good For Seniors+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Native Americans+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5Increases Medicare Funding+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+5
- 7/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/30/2025
- 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 committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii
Jill TokudaDemocrat · Hawaii