CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

RepublicanBill · S. 551· Senate(119-S-551)

Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act

Rep. Sullivan
Age: 62 years
Alaska
Introduced
2/12/2025
Last activity
2/12/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Sponsored by
Dan Sullivan
Cosponsors
Republican - 1Democrat - 1
Health
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the "Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act," aims to amend the Social Security Act. It specifically targets hospital outpatient department services located in Alaska and Hawaii. The legislation allows the Secretary to apply cost-of-living adjustments to the non-labor related portion of payments for these services. These adjustments would take into account the unique circumstances of hospitals in those two states. The changes would apply to covered services furnished on or after January 1, 2026.

Yes· 3 of 5

  • Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4

    The bill specifically targets the unique circumstances of hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii to ensure quality outpatient care for their residents.

  • Does this make health care easier to get in general?+3

    By allowing cost-of-living adjustments for non-labor costs in Alaska and Hawaii, the bill helps ensure the financial viability of outpatient services in these unique geographic locations.

  • Would people over 65 be better off under this?+2

    The bill improves the stability of outpatient services provided under the Social Security Act, which benefits the senior population relying on these services.

The opposite

  • Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1

    The bill explicitly states that the cost-of-living adjustments for hospital outpatient services in Alaska and Hawaii shall not be applied in a budget neutral manner, which increases federal spending.