To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a definition of essential health system in statute and for other related purposes. | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 7145
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7145Health
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a definition of essential health system in statute and for other related purposes.
INTRO JAN 16· LAST ACTION JAN 16
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
13BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it formally recognizes hospitals that serve as critical safety nets for low-income and vulnerable populations. By officially defining and tracking "essential health systems," policymakers can gain a clearer picture of where these vital services are provided and the extent of their community impact. This recognition could be a crucial first step toward developing targeted federal policies and funding mechanisms to support these hospitals, which often face significant financial challenges due to the high volume of uncompensated care they provide.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to better financial stability and improved access to care for millions of low-income Americans who depend on these hospitals. It could also make it easier for states and the federal government to ensure these essential services remain available. If it doesn't pass, these hospitals will continue to operate without this specific federal recognition and comprehensive tracking, potentially making it harder to develop and implement policies that specifically address their unique challenges and vital role in the healthcare system.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a statutory definition for "essential health system" under the Social Security Act.
This provides official federal recognition for hospitals that serve a high volume of low-income and Medicaid patients.
PROVISION 02
Sets specific criteria for hospitals to qualify as an "essential health system," including being a non-federal, non-profit hospital and meeting high thresholds for low-income patient care or uncompensated care.
These criteria ensure that the designation is applied to hospitals genuinely providing significant safety-net services to vulnerable populations.
PROVISION 03
Requires MACPAC to prepare and submit an annual list of essential health systems to Congress and establish an "essential health system index value" for eligible hospitals.
This creates transparency, standardized data, and a ranking system to track and analyze the performance of these critical hospitals.
PROVISION 04
Directs MACPAC to include the study of payment policies for essential health systems in its policy agenda.
This aims to ensure that future policy discussions consider targeted financial support for these important community hospitals.
This bill matters because it formally recognizes hospitals that serve as critical safety nets for low-income and vulnerable populations. By officially defining and tracking "essential health systems," policymakers can gain a clearer picture of where these vital services are provided and the extent of their community impact. This recognition could be a crucial first step toward developing targeted federal policies and funding mechanisms to support these hospitals, which often face significant financial challenges due to the high volume of uncompensated care they provide.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to better financial stability and improved access to care for millions of low-income Americans who depend on these hospitals. It could also make it easier for states and the federal government to ensure these essential services remain available. If it doesn't pass, these hospitals will continue to operate without this specific federal recognition and comprehensive tracking, potentially making it harder to develop and implement policies that specifically address their unique challenges and vital role in the healthcare system.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a statutory definition for "essential health system" under the Social Security Act.
This provides official federal recognition for hospitals that serve a high volume of low-income and Medicaid patients.
high
Sets specific criteria for hospitals to qualify as an "essential health system," including being a non-federal, non-profit hospital and meeting high thresholds for low-income patient care or uncompensated care.
These criteria ensure that the designation is applied to hospitals genuinely providing significant safety-net services to vulnerable populations.
med
Requires MACPAC to prepare and submit an annual list of essential health systems to Congress and establish an "essential health system index value" for eligible hospitals.
This creates transparency, standardized data, and a ranking system to track and analyze the performance of these critical hospitals.
high
Directs MACPAC to include the study of payment policies for essential health systems in its policy agenda.
This aims to ensure that future policy discussions consider targeted financial support for these important community hospitals.
Not later than six months after the date of enactment and by August 1st in each year thereafter.
MACPAC shall prepare and submit a list of essential health systems to Congress and establish essential health system index values.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Social Security Act
The foundational federal law that created many U.S. social welfare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Title XIX
The specific section of the Social Security Act that established the Medicaid program, providing health coverage to low-income individuals and families.
Subsection (d) hospital
A general acute care hospital that is paid by Medicare under a specific inpatient prospective payment system, which is a method of paying hospitals a predetermined amount for each patient stay.
Non-Federal governmental or private nonprofit hospital
A hospital that is not owned or operated by the U.S. federal government and is not run for the purpose of making a profit, often serving community needs.
Medicare disproportionate patient percentage
A calculation used to identify hospitals that serve a high percentage of low-income Medicare and Medicaid patients, which often qualifies them for additional payments.
Uncompensated care payment factor
A measure used in Medicare to determine extra payments for hospitals that provide a significant amount of care for which they do not receive payment.
MACPAC (Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission)
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 16
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 16
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
An independent federal commission that advises Congress and states on Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) policies.
Core-based statistical area
A geographic area used for statistical purposes, typically consisting of a central urban area and surrounding communities that are socially and economically linked.
