To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the definition of critical access hospital under the Medicare program to include certain hospitals on Indian reservations.

# HR 4258 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would expand which hospitals qualify as "critical access hospitals" under Medicare (the federal health insurance program for seniors and certain disabled individuals). Specifically, it would allow certain hospitals located on Indian reservations to receive critical access hospital status. Critical access hospitals receive special Medicare funding and payment rules designed to help smaller, rural hospitals stay financially viable. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects hospitals on Indian reservations and their patients, as well as Medicare beneficiaries who use these facilities.

It could also impact Indian tribes and the federal government's healthcare spending, since critical access hospital status comes with different reimbursement rates from Medicare. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) but remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The specific provisions of what qualifies a reservation hospital for this status are not detailed in the summary provided.