Local Health Care Protection Act of 2026

This bill would let certain hospitals stay in the federal 340B drug discount program even if they no longer meet the program's disproportionate share adjustment percentage requirement. It applies to hospitals that were taking part in the program on July 3, 2025, under the categories for certain public or nonprofit hospitals, children's hospitals, and rural referral centers or sole community hospitals. These hospitals must still meet all other program requirements, and the exception applies to cost reporting periods starting in fiscal year 2026 or later and ending no later than September 30, 2030. The bill also requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress within one year on eligibility criteria, declining Medicare disproportionate share payments in rural areas, and proposals to change the payment formula.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Hillary J. Scholten Democrat sponsor
• 0 cosponsors