Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2026

Summary

The bill changes Medicare rules so that time spent in outpatient observation at a hospital counts toward the three‑day inpatient stay needed to qualify for skilled‑nursing facility (SNF) benefits. It applies to observation services starting Jan. 1, 2026, and lets people who already completed post‑hospital care appeal within 90 days to receive the new credit. The change aims to reduce gaps in coverage for patients who are observed but not formally admitted.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

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