What does Preamble of Save Struggling Hospitals Act do?

This bill aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The stated purpose is to codify the Medicare low-wage index hospital policy.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Save Struggling Hospitals Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Save Struggling Hospitals Act'.

What does CODIFICATION OF THE MEDICARE LOW-WAGE INDEX HOSPITAL POLICY. of Save Struggling Hospitals Act do?

This section amends Section 1886(d)(3)(E) of the Social Security Act. It modifies clause (i) to include '(v)' and adds a new clause (v) concerning area wage index adjustments for low-wage hospitals. For hospitals with an area wage index below the 25th percentile, the area wage index will be increased starting October 1, 2019. The increase is calculated as one-half the difference between the hospital's otherwise applicable final area wage index and the 25th percentile area wage index. The adjustments must be applied in a budget-neutral manner. The budget neutrality application cannot decrease the area wage index for hospitals below the 75th percentile or result in an index less than 95% of the previous year's index.

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Save Struggling Hospitals Act

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2026

Author: David Kustoff (R-TN)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill amends the Social Security Act to permanently establish a policy that adjusts Medicare payments for hospitals in low-wage areas.
Hospitals with area wage indexes below the 25th percentile will receive an increase in their area wage index, calculated as half the difference between their index and the 25th percentile.
These adjustments will be implemented in a budget-neutral manner, preventing reductions to hospitals above the 75th percentile or below 95% of the prior year's index.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4233(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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