SOLES Act

# SOLES Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The SOLES Act would require Medicare (the federal health insurance program for seniors and certain disabled individuals) to increase its payments to "sole community hospitals" in Alaska and Hawaii. Specifically, it mandates that Medicare cover at least 94% of these hospitals' reasonable costs for outpatient services (medical care provided without overnight hospital stays). Currently, Medicare payments to these hospitals may not fully cover their operating costs. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects sole community hospitals—facilities that are the only hospital serving their geographic area—located in Alaska and Hawaii. These hospitals would receive increased federal funding.

The bill could indirectly affect Medicare beneficiaries in these remote regions by potentially improving hospital financial stability and service availability. It may also have broader implications for Medicare's overall budget. **Key Provisions & Current Status:** The main provision is the 94% cost-coverage requirement for outpatient services at these isolated hospitals. The bill was introduced by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken on it as of this summary.