Legislation Search

H.R. 4796: Restoring Essential Healthcare Act

The bill titled the "Restoring Essential Healthcare Act" aims to amend a previous law, specifically Public Law 119–21, related to Medicaid payments. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill would accomplish:

Key Provisions

Repeal of Prohibition: The bill seeks to repeal Section 71113 of Public Law 119–21. This section includes a prohibition on making payments under the Medicaid program to certain entities that are identified as "prohibited entities." The entities affected by these payments were defined under that law.
Restoration of Payments: By repealing this prohibition, the bill allows the state Medicaid programs to pay for items and services provided by entities that were previously restricted. This means that any medical assistance provided by these entities during the period post the enactment of Public Law 119–21 to the enactment of the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act would be eligible for payment, as if the prohibition never existed.

Impact on Medicaid

The primary effect of the bill would be to reinstate eligibility for Medicaid payments for a broader range of healthcare providers, primarily those previously classified as "prohibited entities." This could enhance access to medical services for beneficiaries who utilize these providers.

Potential Implications

Reinstating payments to previously prohibited entities is expected to create changes within the Medicaid landscape. This could influence factors such as:

Access to Services: Beneficiaries might have more options for healthcare services and providers.
Financial Implications: State Medicaid budgets could face changes in expenditures as payments resume.
Healthcare Provider Operations: Entities that had been barred from receiving Medicaid payments may adjust their operations to cater to patients who rely on Medicaid.