What does PROVIDING ESSENTIAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED of Ensuring Rural Health Care Access for Military and Tribal Families Act do?

This section amends Section 1820(c)(2) of the Social Security Act to facilitate essential health care access for members of the armed forces, dependents, and veterans in rural areas. Beginning October 1, 2026, a State may designate a facility as a critical access hospital without regard to certain criteria if it meets three or more specified conditions. These conditions include providing health care services to individuals covered under TRICARE and veterans, being located in a rural area, not being a sole community hospital, and deriving a certain percentage of revenue from TRICARE beneficiaries. Facilities may also establish psychiatric and rehabilitation distinct part units without regard to bed limitations. The Secretary will not consider these distinct part units when determining if a facility is primarily engaged in providing specific services.

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Ensuring Rural Health Care Access for Military and Tribal Families Act

Q: What does Preamble of Ensuring Rural Health Care Access for Military and Tribal Families Act do?

This bill proposes to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The proposed amendment would allow for the designation of certain facilities as critical access hospitals under the Medicare program.

Q: What does SHORT TITLE. of Ensuring Rural Health Care Access for Military and Tribal Families Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Ensuring Rural Health Care Access for Military and Tribal Families Act.

Last updated: 5/21/2026 · Introduced: 5/21/2026

Author: Dan Newhouse (R-WA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill allows states to designate more facilities as critical access hospitals under Medicare, even if they don't meet all standard criteria, provided they serve military families, veterans, and are located in rural areas.
Starting in 2026, facilities serving TRICARE beneficiaries and veterans can establish psychiatric and rehabilitation distinct part units without current bed limitations.
The bill prevents Medicare from considering these new psychiatric and rehabilitation units when evaluating whether a facility primarily provides specific services.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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

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