Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2025
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill changes how Medicare coverage for skilled nursing facility (SNF) services is determined. It will count the time an individual spends receiving outpatient observation services in a hospital as part of the three-day inpatient hospital stay requirement. This aims to make it easier for people to qualify for SNF care after being discharged from the hospital. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, with some exceptions for appeals.
Key provisions
- Counts outpatient observation services as part of the 3-day inpatient hospital stay requirement.
- Defines the end of the observation period as the date the individual stops receiving services.
- Applies to Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility services.
- The amendment applies to services received on or after January 1, 2026.
Who is affected
- Medicare beneficiaries
- Skilled nursing facility providers
- Hospitals
- Patients receiving outpatient observation services
Notable changes
- Expands the definition of an inpatient hospital stay for Medicare coverage.
- Provides a pathway for individuals to qualify for SNF services more easily.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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47 on record
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Cosponsors
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