United States. Congress

“ Such study shall include an analysis of-- (1) any adjustments in payments to providers of services and suppliers that furnish items and services in rural areas; (2) access by Medicare beneficiaries to items and services in rural areas; (3) the adequacy of payments to providers of services and suppliers that furnish items and services in rural areas; and (4) the quality of care furnished in rural areas. (b) Report- Not later than January 1, 2011, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a) . ”

“ NO AFFECT ON HOSPITALS IN DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON DATE OF ENACTMENT- In the case of a rural community hospital that is participating in the demonstration program under this section as of the last day of the initial 5-year period, the Secretary shall provide for the continued participation of such rural community hospital in the demonstration program during the 1-year extension period unless the rural community hospital makes an election, in such form and manner as the Secretary may specify, to discontinue such participation.'. ”

“ IMPROVEMENTS TO THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT ON COMMUNITY HEALTH INTEGRATION MODELS IN CERTAIN RURAL COUNTIES. (a) Removal of Limitation on Number of Eligible Counties Selected- Subsection (d) (3) of section 123 of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. 1395i-4 note) is amended by striking `not more than 6'. (b) Removal of References to Rural Health Clinic Services and Inclusion of Physicians' Services in Scope of Demonstration Project- Such section 123 is amended-- (1) in subsection (d) (4) (B) (i) (3) , by striking subclause (III) ”