AN ACT INCREASING MEDICAID RATES FOR COMMUNITY HOSPITALS IN RURAL AREAS.

SB 174 increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for community hospitals in rural Connecticut to match the corresponding Medicare rates. It directly affects community hospitals located in areas designated as rural by the Connecticut Office of Rural Health. The bill amends Title 17b of the general statutes to require state Medicaid payments to align with federal Medicare payment levels for these facilities. This change aims to improve financial stability for rural hospitals serving vulnerable populations.