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Support for Rural Hospitals: New Rules and Funding

This act aims to help rural hospitals facing financial difficulties. It makes it easier for them to obtain "critical access hospital" status, which can improve their financial situation and ensure residents have access to healthcare. It also introduces testing of new funding models for rural facilities.
Key points
Allows states to more easily designate certain rural hospitals as "critical access hospitals," even if they don't meet previous distance requirements.
"Critical access hospital" status can help financially struggling hospitals by providing better payment terms from the Medicare program.
Introduces testing of new funding models for rural hospitals to find ways to ensure their financial stability and continued service provision.
Defines criteria hospitals must meet to benefit from the new rules, including location, financial status, and future plans.
Sets limits on the number of hospitals that can obtain "critical access hospital" status under the new rules, both nationwide and within individual states.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_1639
Sponsor: Rep. Kinzinger, Adam [R-IL-16]
Process start date: 2021-03-08
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-04-17
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_1639.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-03-08.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Allows states to more easily designate certain rural hospitals as "critical access hospitals," even if they don't meet previous distance requirements.
  • "Critical access hospital" status can help financially struggling hospitals by providing better payment terms from the Medicare program.
  • Introduces testing of new funding models for rural hospitals to find ways to ensure their financial stability and continued service provision.
  • Defines criteria hospitals must meet to benefit from the new rules, including location, financial status, and future plans.
  • Sets limits on the number of hospitals that can obtain "critical access hospital" status under the new rules, both nationwide and within individual states.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Kinzinger, Adam [R-IL-16].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

CATEGORIES

Health