Bill · H.R. 6596· House(119-HR-6596)
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust the eligibility for the rural emergency hospital designation under the Medicare program.
- Introduced
- 12/10/2025
- Last activity
- 12/10/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Sponsored by
- Derek Schmidt
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes amendments to the Social Security Act regarding the Medicare program. Specifically, it aims to adjust the eligibility requirements for the rural emergency hospital designation. The change involves adding a new category for eligibility based on previous hospital status. This new category includes off-campus outpatient departments that met certain criteria. These criteria involve being a dedicated emergency department located in a rural area.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4
The bill specifically expands eligibility for rural emergency hospital designations to include dedicated emergency departments in rural areas.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+3
The bill expands eligibility for rural emergency hospital designation to include certain off-campus outpatient departments, aiding rural access to emergency care.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+2
By expanding rural emergency hospital designation eligibility, the bill helps preserve Medicare-funded emergency services used by seniors.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Expanded Eligibility for Rural Emergency Hospital Designation: The bill adds a new subparagraph (C) that allows certain off-s-campus outpatient departments of a hospital to qualify for the rural emergency hospital designation. This could benefit those relying on dedicated emergency departments located in rural counties. (Section 1)
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 Rural Residents+4Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Native Americans+2Good For Seniors+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3Increases Medicare Funding+2
- 12/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Ron EstesRepublican · Kansas