Rural MOMS Act of 2026

This bill proposes an amendment to Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, which governs the Medicare program, to modify the bed count requirements for critical access hospitals (CAHs). It specifically mandates that beds used exclusively for labor and delivery services will not be included when determining the total number of acute care inpatient beds. This change aims to provide greater flexibility for rural hospitals to offer essential maternity care options to their communities. By excluding these specialized beds, the legislation seeks to ensure that CAHs can maintain their designation while expanding or preserving vital obstetric services, thereby supporting access to healthcare in underserved areas.