Definition of Essential Health System
Official: To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a definition of essential health system in statute and for other related purposes.
This bill creates a clear definition for essential health systems, which helps identify hospitals that serve many low-income patients. This matters because it ensures these hospitals receive appropriate recognition and support.
1. This bill defines what qualifies as an 'essential health system' in hospitals. 2. It sets specific criteria for hospitals to provide care to low-income patients. 3. Hospitals must meet these criteria for at least two of the last three years. 4. The designation lasts for five years and can be renewed if criteria are still met. 5. A report will be created annually to list hospitals that qualify as essential health systems.
Low-income patients who rely on hospitals for their healthcare needs.