Excludes labor and delivery beds from acute care inpatient bed count for critical access hospitals under Medicare.

The Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support Act of 2026 amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exclude certain beds from counting as acute care inpatient beds for critical access hospitals under the Medicare program. Specifically, it modifies the definition to exclude any beds used solely for labor and delivery. This change aims to support rural maternity care by ensuring these hospitals are not penalized for providing essential services.

Excludes labor and delivery beds from acute care inpatient bed count for critical access hospitals under Medicare.

The Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support Act of 2026 amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exclude certain beds from counting as acute care inpatient beds for critical access hospitals under the Medicare program. Specifically, it modifies the definition to exclude any beds used solely for labor and delivery. This change aims to support rural maternity care by ensuring these hospitals are not penalized for providing essential services.