The Rural Health Office at the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health administers the activities of the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility [Flex] Program.  The Flex Program was created by Congress [authorized under section 4201 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA), Public Law 105-33, and its amendment, the Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999] to improve the financial viability and stability of health care in rural areas across the nation.  

A key aspect of this program was the creation of a new designation for rural hospitals called Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs).  CAHs are eligible for cost-based reimbursement for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Additional reimbursement is provided for serving Medicaid patients.