Physicians for Underserved Areas Act
Sponsored By: Representative Lee (NV)
Introduced
Summary
This bill would change how Medicare residency slots freed by hospital closures are reassigned, prioritizing programs that can put them to use quickly. It tightens the rules that define which programs are "likely" recipients so redistributed slots go to programs ready to start and fill positions on a clear timetable.
Show full summary
- Residency programs and teaching hospitals: The bill revises Section 1886(h)(4)(H)(vi) by redesignating sub-items and moving a priority from "Fourth" to "Third". That changes the order in which applicants are considered for available slots.
- Programs that can use slots quickly: The definition of "likelihood" now requires a program to start using positions within 2 years and fill them within 5 years to qualify. Programs that cannot meet those timelines are less likely to receive redistributed slots.
- Closed hospitals and future closures: The new redistribution rules apply to hospitals that close on or after the date of enactment.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster Medicare residency slots after hospital closures
If enacted, when a hospital closes, Medicare would move its residency training slots. A hospital would count as likely to fill if it starts using the slots within 2 years and fills them within 5 years. The rule would apply only to hospitals that close on or after enactment. It would also update some internal item numbers and cross-references.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lee (NV)
NV • D
Cosponsors
Balderson
OH • R
Sponsored 1/31/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.govTake It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in