Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025

# Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025 - Summary **What it does:** This bill would temporarily expand which rural hospitals can qualify as "critical access hospitals" (CAHs), a special Medicare classification that provides more favorable payment rates. Specifically, it would allow hospitals currently participating in a federal Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program to also qualify as CAHs for one year. This is a time-limited expansion—after one year, the eligibility would end unless Congress extends it. **Who it affects:** Rural hospitals and their patients, particularly in areas underserved by medical facilities.

The bill targets hospitals that are too large or not isolated enough to normally qualify as CAHs but are struggling financially. Medicare beneficiaries in these rural areas could be affected depending on how the expanded eligibility influences hospital operations and care access. **Current status:** The bill (S 521) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.