The legislation is expected to have significant implications for the healthcare systems in the identified territories. By redefining reimbursement policies, HB 9128 aims to eliminate the disparities in payment that territorial safety net hospitals currently face compared to their counterparts on the mainland. The bill outlines specific provisions for inpatient and outpatient services, ensuring that these facilities receive adequate funding based on the reasonable costs of care provided. This shift may enhance the quality of medical services and accessibility for residents in these regions, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 9128, titled the ‘Supporting Territorial Safety Net Hospitals Act,’ aims to establish a designation for territorial safety net hospitals and enhance their reimbursement structures under Medicare. Specifically, the bill defines 'territorial safety net hospitals' as facilities located in U.S. territories such as the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, thus formally recognizing their role in the national healthcare landscape. A primary objective of the bill is to ensure these hospitals receive fair compensation for the services they provide to vulnerable populations, mitigating the financial challenges they often face due to geographic isolation and limited resources.
Contention
However, discussions around HB 9128 reveal some contention regarding the financial implications for federal healthcare budgets. Critics argue that the increase in Medicare reimbursement rates could place additional strain on federal resources, potentially leading to budget shortfalls or cuts in other areas. Proponents of the bill counter that the long-term benefits of supporting these essential healthcare institutions outweigh the immediate financial concerns. They emphasize that without proper funding, the viability of healthcare in remote territories could be jeopardized, leaving vulnerable populations without necessary medical services.
To amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make supplemental funds available for management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by State fish and wildlife agencies, and for other purposes.
Ending Catch and Release Act of 2025This bill changes the treatment of certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) without lawful immigration status, including by prohibiting the release of asylum seekers into the United States while their cases are pending.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may not (with some exceptions) release an individual who is not clearly entitled to admission into the United States while the individual's case is pending, even if the individual is an asylum seeker. DHS may instead detain the individual or return the individual to a neighboring country in certain situations.The bill also expands expedited removal from the United States (i.e., removal without further hearing or review) to include individuals present in the United States without being admitted, with certain exceptions. Under current law, individuals are subject to expedited removal if they lack proper documentation or obtained an immigration benefit through fraud; such individuals are still subject to expedited removal under the bill.The bill also modifies the standard for establishing a credible fear of persecution to avoid expedited removal. Generally, an asylum seeker may avoid expedited removal if an asylum officer finds such a credible fear. Under this bill, an officer may find credible fear if it is more likely than not the individual can establish their eligibility for asylum, whereas under current law, the officer may find credible fear if there is a significant possibility that the individual can establish their eligibility.