Observation Stays Bill Introduced in Senate

Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act on May 22, 2026, to protect seniors from the high costs of post-acute care, requiring that all days spent in the hospital, regardless of inpatient or outpatient observation status would count toward the three-day qualifying stay required for skilled nursing facility (SNF) services under Medicare fee-for-service. This bipartisan bill joins the House companion legislation of the same name (HR 3954) that was introduced by Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT) in June 2025.

LeadingAge has supported the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act and is pleased to see the introduction of the Senate bill. We continue to work with coalition partners to help advance this legislation.