06/05/2024
We need your help to request that members of the U.S. Senate SUPPORT S.4137, which would reduce unexpected costs and enhance access to necessary healthcare services for seniors.
The Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2024 (S.4137) would allow Medicare "observation status" to meet the 3-day requirement for an inpatient hospital stay before a Medicare beneficiary qualifies for covered skilled nursing care (SNC). Currently, many hospitals categorize seniors under ‘observation status’ instead of admitting them as inpatients— a distinction that, while subtle, has led to costly Medicare denials. This outdated policy not only restricts access to necessary skilled nursing facilities for our sickest seniors but also results in unexpected, high out-of-pocket costs due to changes in admission status — costs that are billed directly to patients, bypassing Medicare coverage.
On April 17, 2024, U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act (S. 4137), legislation that would allow Medicare "observation status" to meet the...
