The "Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program Reauthorization" bill seeks to extend the program for an additional five years, changing the 15-year extension period to a 20-year extension period. This amendment includes conforming adjustments to account for the extension, particularly for hospitals not originally participating in the program. The reauthorization aims to provide flexibility and additional time for rural community hospitals participating in the demonstration program.
Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program Reauthorization
This bill extends the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program for an additional five years. The program tests the feasibility of cost-based reimbursement under Medicare for small rural hospitals that are too large to qualify for special payment as critical access hospitals.
The bill specifies that hospitals that participate in the program between December 30, 2024, and January 1, 2027, may continue to participate during the five-year extension period.