US SB552

Increases Medicare reimbursement rates from 101% to 105% of reasonable costs for critical access hospitals located in noncontiguous states (Alaska and Hawaii), effective January 1, 2026

Applies the higher 105% reimbursement rate to inpatient critical access hospital services under the amended Social Security Act Section 1814(l)(1)

Extends the 105% reimbursement rate to outpatient critical access hospital services under Section 1834(g)(1)

Covers ambulance services at 105% when furnished by critical access hospitals in noncontiguous states or by entities owned and operated by such hospitals

Includes skilled nursing facility services provided under agreement by critical access hospitals in noncontiguous states at the enhanced 105% reimbursement rate