EXTENSION OF THE MEDICARE-DEPENDENT HOSPITAL (MDH) PROGRAM.

SEC. 6202. EXTENSION OF THE MEDICARE-DEPENDENT HOSPITAL (MDH) PROGRAM. (a) In General.—Section 1886(d)(5)(G) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(G)) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by striking “January 31, 2026” and inserting “January 1, 2027”; and (2) in clause (ii)(II), by striking “January 31, 2026” and inserting “January 1, 2027”. (b) Conforming Amendments.— (1) In general.—Section 1886(b)(3)(D) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(b)(3)(D)) is amended— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking “January 31, 2026” and inserting “January 1, 2027”; and (B) in clause (iv), by striking “through fiscal year 2025 and the portion of fiscal year 2026 beginning on October 1, 2025, and ending on January 30, 2026” and inserting “through fiscal year 2026 and the portion of fiscal year 2027 beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on December 31, 2026”. (2) Permitting hospitals to decline reclassification.—Section 13501(e)(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1395ww note) is amended by striking “through fiscal year 2025, or the portion of fiscal year 2026 beginning on October 1, 2025, and ending on January 30, 2026” and inserting “through fiscal year 2026, or the portion of fiscal year 2027 beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on December 31, 2026”.