Bill · H.R. 8967· House(119-HR-8967)

Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program Reauthorization

Age: 57 years

Iowa

Introduced: 5/21/2026
Last activity: 5/21/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Sponsored by: Randy Feenstra
Cosponsors: - 11 - 10

Health

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the ``Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program Reauthorization'', aims to extend the existing demonstration program. It proposes changing the current extension period from 15 years to 20 years. This change involves amending various subsections of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. Additionally, the bill includes a rule for hospitals that were not original participants in the demonstration. These provisions ensure that certain rural community hospitals can participate under specific conditions.

Yes· 3 of 6

Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+8
Directly supports rural residents by extending the rural community hospital demonstration program.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+7
Extends the rural community hospital demonstration program by five years to maintain health services in rural areas.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+6
Benefits older adults in rural communities by ensuring continued access to local hospital care.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.

Who it would affect, and how

Potential Positive Impacts for People

Extended Program Duration: By striking the 15-year extension period'' and inserting a 20-year extension period'' (Section 2(a) and Section 2(b)(1)), the bill provides a longer timeframe for the rural community hospital demonstration program.
Opportunities for New Hospital Participation: The bill includes a new subparagraph (C) in Section 2(b)(2) which allows the Secretary to apply certain provisions to rural community hospitals that were not original participants. This applies to hospitals participating in the program between December 30, 2024, and January 1, 2027.

Potential Negative Impacts for People

No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned 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+8Good For Retirees+6Good For Seniors+6
Healthcare: Improves Healthcare Access+7Increases Medicare Funding+6
Environment Energy And Infrastructure: Improves Rural Development+6