Bill · H.R. 4345· House(119-HR-4345)
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the definition of critical access hospital under the Medicare program to include certain hospitals on Indian reservations.
- Introduced
- 7/10/2025
- Last activity
- 7/10/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Sponsored by
- Dan Newhouse
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The goal is to expand the definition of a critical access hospital under the Medicare program. This expansion would include certain hospitals located on Indian reservations. Specifically, it allows states to designate these facilities regardless of their distance from other hospitals. It also addresses how these facilities can establish certain units.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+8
The bill provides specific healthcare infrastructure and designation advantages directly to Indian reservations.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+7
The bill eases the designation process for hospitals on Indian reservations, improving overall healthcare accessibility for those communities.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+7
Providing better healthcare infrastructure and designations specifically for Indian reservations supports equity for Native American communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded Hospital Designations: A State may designate a facility as a critical access hospital without needing to meet specific distance requirements if the facility is located on a reservation. This is found in Section 1, subparagraph (F)(i).
-
Increased Capacity for Specialized Care: Facilities on Indian reservations may establish psychiatric and rehabilitation distinct part units without being restricted by certain bed number limitations. This is found in Section 1, subparagraph (F)(ii).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
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 Native Americans+8Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Seniors+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+7Improves Mental Health Access+6Increases Medicare Funding+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+7
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4
- 7/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Introduced in House