Bill · S. 474· Senate(119-S-474)
Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act
- Introduced
- 2/6/2025
- Last activity
- 2/6/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S796)
- Sponsored by
- John Barrasso
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act," aims to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act. It seeks to establish a minimum Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment for States. For fiscal years 2025 through 2029, the bill sets a minimum allotment of $20,000,000. Starting in fiscal year 2030, the minimum amount will be the same as the preceding year, adjusted for inflation. This provision applies regardless of existing tables or required reductions.
Yes· 3 of 24
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill directly increases funding for hospitals that treat low-income populations through Medicaid.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill establishes a funding floor specifically designed to support rural hospitals through the Medicaid DSH program.
Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes?+5
The bill guarantees a minimum $20,000,000 Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotment for each state through 2029.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill establishes a mandatory minimum spending floor for Medicaid DSH allotments regardless of existing reduction requirements.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Guaranteed Minimum Funding for States: The bill ensures that a State's DSH allotment will not fall below a specific floor, regardless of the reductions required under paragraph (7) (Section 2, clause (i)). This provides a level of financial certainty for Medicaid funding.
-
Consistent Funding Levels Through 2029: By setting a minimum of $20,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 through 2029, the bill provides a stable baseline for hospital funding (Section 2, clause (ii)(I)).
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Inflation Protection for Future Years: For fiscal year 2030 and beyond, the minimum allotment is subject to an increase for inflation, which helps maintain the value of the funding over time (Section 2, clause (ii)(II)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the text provided.
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 Low Income Households+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Native Americans+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Farmers+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Immigrants+3Good For People With Disabilities+3Good For Retirees+3Good For Seniors+3Good For Urban Residents+3Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Children+2Good For L G B T Q Community+2Good For Men+2Good For Middle Aged+2Good For Students+2Good For Veterans+2Good For White Americans+2Good For Women+2Good For Young Adults+2
- Healthcare
- Increases Medicaid Funding+5Improves Healthcare Access+3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 2/6/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S796)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont