SOLES Act

The SOLES Act (S 5184) adjusts Medicare payments for outpatient services at sole community hospitals located in noncontiguous states like Alaska and Hawaii. If the standard Medicare payment under the outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) is lower than the previous rate (pre-BBA), the bill requires an additional payment equal to 94% of the difference. This change applies to services provided on or after January 1, 2025. The law directly affects hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii that serve as the sole emergency care providers in their communities.