Bill lets small rural hospitals bill Medicare differently for anesthesia
In markupH.R. 9642Latest action
Sponsor: John R. Moolenaar · Representative · MI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
Small rural hospitals could bill Medicare for anesthesiologist services as hospital costs instead of separate physician billing.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill lets small rural hospitals and critical access hospitals bill Medicare for anesthesiologist services under Part A, using reasonable cost reimbursement, instead of the anesthesiologist billing separately under Part B. To qualify, a hospital must have had no more than one full-time anesthesiologist as of enactment, 800 or fewer anesthesia surgical procedures in 2026 (or a higher number set by Medicare officials), and the anesthesiologist must agree not to bill Part B separately. Hospitals must keep meeting the volume limit each year to continue qualifying.
Who does it affect?
This affects small, low-volume rural hospitals and critical access hospitals, along with the anesthesiologists they employ or contract with. Patients in these rural communities who need procedures requiring anesthesia are also affected.
Why does it matter?
The change shifts Medicare's payment method for these services from physician billing to hospital cost reporting, which supporters argue makes it easier for such hospitals to retain anesthesia services and preserve surgical and emergency care access.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 13, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Jul 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 41 - 0.