Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act of 2025
Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act of 2025 (HR 1924) **What the Bill Does:** This bill would change how Medicare pays for care at long-term care hospitals (LTCHs)—specialized facilities that treat patients recovering from serious illnesses or injuries. Currently, Medicare pays these hospitals at a reduced "site-neutral" rate (similar to what regular hospitals receive). The bill would exempt certain high-acuity discharges from this lower payment rate starting October 1, 2026, meaning LTCHs could receive higher reimbursement for their sickest patients. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects long-term care hospitals, Medicare beneficiaries (seniors 65+), and potentially Medicare's budget.
It could influence the quality and availability of specialized care for seriously ill seniors by making it more financially viable for LTCHs to treat the most critical patients. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. As a Republican-sponsored measure, it reflects concerns from some lawmakers that lower payment rates may discourage LTCHs from treating the sickest patients who require the most intensive care.
CRS Official Summary
Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act of 2025This bill exempts discharges from long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) from the Medicare site-neutral payment rate if the discharge meets specified high acuity criteria and occurs on or after October 1, 2026. (The site-neutral rate is the lower of Medicare’s acute care hospital payment rate under the inpatient prospective payment system or 100% of the cost of the stay. LTCH stays that do not qualify for the specialized LTCH payment rate under Medicare are instead paid at the site-neutral rate.)
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.