CRITICAL Act

# CRITICAL Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The CRITICAL Act would increase Medicare payment rates by 4% for critical access hospitals located in Alaska and Hawaii. Critical access hospitals are small, rural medical facilities that serve remote or sparsely populated areas. This increase would apply to all services these hospitals provide to Medicare patients. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects critical access hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii, along with Medicare beneficiaries in those states.

The hospitals would receive higher reimbursement from Medicare, potentially affecting their operating budgets and ability to provide services. Medicare patients in these regions might also benefit if increased funding improves hospital services or access to care. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 552 in the 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska.