Healthcare (Medicaid · Emergency Management)

HR 3134, the Emergency Care Improvement Act, allows Medicare and Medicaid to reimburse freestanding emergency centers (FECs) for specific emergency services. The bill defines FECs as 24/7 facilities meeting state emergency care standards, with physician staffing, hospital referral agreements, and quality programs - currently operating in over 118 locations, primarily in Texas. It amends coverage rules to include FECs under Medicare Part B and Medicaid for "specified emergency services" (excluding certain evaluation codes), sets payment rates based on outpatient department standards, and extends EMTALA emergency care laws to cover these centers. This policy change directly affects FECs and Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries by enabling reimbursement for emergency care previously excluded from coverage.

The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act creates a new Medicaid program to provide medical assistance to individuals affected by disasters. It establishes a "relief coverage period" of two years beginning when a disaster is declared, during which survivors can receive Medicaid benefits without meeting standard income requirements. The bill simplifies the application process by removing documentation requirements and provides 100% federal funding for these services. It includes special provisions for pregnant individuals, those with pending applications, and individuals requiring home and community-based services. The program applies to individuals who were residents of the disaster area or lost employment due to the disaster, with benefits available to survivors regardless of their home state.

The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act creates a new Medicaid program for survivors of major disasters declared after January 1, 2027. It provides simplified eligibility during a two-year relief coverage period (starting when the disaster is declared), allowing people in affected areas to access medical assistance without meeting standard income requirements. The law includes provisions for continuous eligibility, mental health services, home and community-based care, and 100% federal funding for these services. States must provide streamlined applications and issue special Medicaid cards valid for the entire relief period. It also includes specific protections for children born to survivors and pregnant individuals during the disaster period.