Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2024

The Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2024 modifies Medicare rules to help specific rural hospitals qualify as critical access hospitals (CAHs). It waives standard distance requirements for rural community hospitals participating in a Medicare demonstration program as of the bill's enactment date. These hospitals can now become CAHs during a one-year window beginning six months after the law takes effect. This change directly affects eligible rural hospitals by simplifying their path to CAH status, which ensures continued Medicare reimbursement for serving remote communities.