Federal RHTP caps, transparency, and sustainability face growing scrutiny

AHA seeks removal of the 15% direct-hospital and 20% infrastructure caps, while bipartisan senators, FAH, and NRHA seek greater flexibility, technical assistance, and public state reporting. New analysis estimates RHTP will offset only about 5-6% of projected federal Medicaid reductions, underscoring that the program cannot replace Medicaid payments or provide dependable recurring support for hospitals, maternity services, and EMS; temporary federal funding extends through December 11.