Healthcare (Hospitals)

This bill establishes a framework for states to create their own universal health care systems by applying for waivers to replace or supplement federal health programs. States would need to demonstrate they can provide comprehensive coverage that meets or exceeds federal standards, cover at least 95% of residents within 5 years, and include specific protections for Indian health care. The federal government would redirect funds that would have gone to federal programs to the states for implementation, with states required to submit annual reports and undergo a 5-year review to maintain the waiver.

This bill requires all U.S. hospitals to publicly list their standard prices for common services within six months of enactment (or six months after opening for new hospitals) and update this list annually. Hospitals must ensure this pricing information is accessible online and cannot hide it from search results. Non-compliant hospitals face daily fines - ranging from $600 per day for small hospitals to $11,000 per day for large facilities - based on bed size, with the government publishing a public list of violators every six months. The law aims to make healthcare pricing transparent for patients and enforceable through specific penalties.

This bill establishes a 5-year Medicare demonstration program (2025-2030) testing integrated care models for patients with co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. Eligible hospitals in underserved communities must develop plans addressing social determinants like housing and food access while coordinating care across providers. The program tracks outcomes including reduced emergency visits, cost savings, and improved health metrics, with findings reported to Congress by 2031. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries with serious mental illness plus chronic conditions or high-risk circumstances (e.g., frail elderly, disability) in vulnerable communities.

The Protect Our Hospitals Act (HR 4807) repeals a specific provision (Section 71115 of Public Law 119-21) that altered Medicaid provider tax rules. This bill restores the prior tax structure for Medicaid providers, including hospitals and clinics that accept Medicaid, returning them to the tax treatment that existed before the change. As a result, these providers will no longer be subject to the modified tax rules enacted by the repealed provision. The bill does not affect Medicaid eligibility, benefits, or coverage - it solely reverts a tax policy change without introducing new requirements.