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HR 6240

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to restore State authority to waive for certain facilities the 35-mile rule for designating critical access hospitals under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Tracey Mann and 1 co-sponsor

HR 6240 - Critical Access Hospital Designation Flexibility Act OverviewBill Number: HR 6240 Title: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to restore State authority to wa

Introduced in House
0
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Bill Summary · HR 6240

HR 6240 - Critical Access Hospital Designation Flexibility Act

Overview

Bill Number: HR 6240
Title: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to restore State authority to waive for certain facilities the 35-mile rule for designating critical access hospitals under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced: November 20, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The main goal of this bill is to provide more flexibility for states to designate certain healthcare facilities as critical access hospitals (CAHs) under the Medicare program. Currently, the Social Security Act requires CAHs to be located at least 35 miles from another hospital. This bill would restore state authority to waive that 35-mile requirement for certain facilities that meet other CAH criteria.

Key Provisions

  • Amends the Social Security Act to allow states to waive the 35-mile distance requirement for CAH designation in certain circumstances
  • Permits states to designate a facility as a CAH if it is located within a frontier area, or if the state determines there is a special circumstance that warrants a waiver
  • Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish criteria for what constitutes a "frontier area" and "special circumstance" for the purposes of this waiver
  • Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to states in developing and implementing waiver programs

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily impact rural healthcare providers and the communities they serve. By allowing more flexibility in CAH designations, it could enable more small, rural hospitals to qualify for the enhanced Medicare reimbursement and other benefits provided to CAHs. This could help improve access to essential healthcare services in underserved areas.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HR 6240 was introduced in the House of Representatives on November 20, 2025 and has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for consideration. If passed by the House, it would then need to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President before taking effect. The timeline for potential enactment is uncertain, as the bill's progress will depend on the legislative agenda and priorities of the 119th Congress.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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