What does Preamble of HR 7727 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure the continued designation of certain critical access hospitals under the Medicare program, and for other purposes,' aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The bill intends to ensure the continued designation of certain critical access hospitals under the Medicare program.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 7727 do?

This bill is formally titled the Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act.

What does ENSURING THE CONTINUED DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN CRITICAL ACCESS of HR 7727 do?

This section amends Section 1820(c)(2) of the Social Security Act. It establishes a process for ensuring the continued designation of certain critical access hospitals. A facility designated as a critical access hospital that would otherwise lose designation due to a criterion can be deemed to meet that criterion. This deemed eligibility lasts for a period specified by the Secretary, not exceeding 3 years. The Secretary must determine that losing the designation would reduce access to healthcare in the facility's service area.

What does DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY FOR STABILIZATION PARITY. of HR 7727 do?

This section establishes discretionary authority for the Secretary to designate hospitals as 'Critical Access in Character' for Medicare reimbursement purposes. Hospitals may qualify for this designation if they are located in a rural area, a health professional shortage area, serve underserved communities, have a high proportion of Medicare beneficiaries, and face a significant risk of closure or service reduction. Designated hospitals are eligible for Medicare reimbursement rates equivalent to those for Critical Access Hospitals, subject to limitations and conditions set by the Secretary. The designation remains in effect until the hospital is financially and operationally stabilized, with a maximum duration of 3 years unless renewed. The Secretary is required to issue guidance within 12 months of enactment outlining eligibility standards, documentation requirements, and renewal conditions. The Secretary will collaborate with the Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to designated hospitals. The designation does not confer Critical Access Hospital status for purposes other than Medicare reimbursement. The Secretary's determination of financial risk will consider operational challenges specific to rural areas and exclude those stemming from improper financial management.

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Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act — HR. 7727

Last updated: 2/26/2026 · Introduced: 2/26/2026

Author: Mark Alford (R-MO)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Social Security Act to allow the Secretary to deem certain critical access hospitals eligible for designation even if they don't meet all criteria, provided losing designation would reduce healthcare access, for up to 3 years.
The bill creates a new 'Critical Access in Character' designation for rural hospitals facing financial or operational instability, allowing them to receive Medicare reimbursement rates comparable to critical access hospitals for up to 3 years.
The Secretary must issue guidance and collaborate with the Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to hospitals receiving the 'Critical Access in Character' designation.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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