Rural Emergency Hospital Financial Stability Act

This bill aims to clarify and strengthen Medicaid payment provisions for rural emergency hospitals (REHs) . It specifically amends Section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act to ensure that services provided by REHs are explicitly recognized as outpatient hospital services for Medicaid reimbursement. Furthermore, the legislation extends Medicaid coverage to include services furnished in a nursing facility that operates as a distinct part unit of an REH . These amendments will take effect upon the bill's enactment and apply to all services provided thereafter. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is mandated to issue final regulations to implement these changes within 12 months, thereby supporting the financial viability of rural emergency healthcare.