This page provides basic information about being certified as a Medicare Critical Access Hospital (CAH) provider and includes links to applicable laws, regulations, and compliance information. CAHs represent a separate provider type with their own Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoP) as well as a separate payment method.

The Critical Access Hospital program is a United States federal program established in 1997 as part of the Balanced Budget Act. The program aims to offer small hospitals in rural areas to serve residents that would otherwise be a long distance from emergency care.

Jan 15, 2025 · Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are located in 45 states across the U.S. and the Flex Monitoring team tracks and regularly updates CAH locations. This page contains a list of CAHs with the most current data.

Aug 22, 2007 · Resources, information and frequently asked questions related to the requirements and benefits of the rural Critical Access Hospital (CAH) program. Covers legislation affecting CAHs, CAH regulations related to Medicare and Medicaid, the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program, and more.

Nov 26, 2019 · Critical access hospitals (CAHs) provide essential access to high-quality healthcare in rural communities. They represent more than 2/3 of all rural hospitals and are vital for ensuring the health of communities that may not have access to larger facilities.

Section 1820 of the Social Security Act establishes Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Programs (MRHFPs) that allow individual states to designate certain facilities as critical access hospitals (CAHs).

To be eligible to participate in the 340B Program and purchase outpatient drugs at significantly discounted prices, Critical Access Hospitals must be classified as: A private nonprofit hospital under contract with state or local government to provide health care services to low-income individuals who are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid

The Joint Commission has been accrediting hospitals for over 70 years and critical access hospitals (CAH) for more than 20 years. Currently, The Joint Commission accredits about 30% of all CAHs in the U.S. Approximately 70% of accredited CAHs are accredited by …

Mar 20, 2024 · A Critical Access Hospital (CAH) is a hospital in a federal program established in 1997 as part of the Balanced Budget Act designed to promote rural health planning, network development, and improve access to health services for rural residents.

Dec 9, 2020 · The Critical Access Hospital (CAH) program is a federal program to help rural communities keep their healthcare facilities. The program was established through legislation enacted as part of the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 through the State Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Flex).