Hospitals that treat patients with extended stays are closing at a rapid rate, leading to increased demand for remaining beds and overcrowding within the hospital system. The American Hospital Association has reported that over 25% of long-term care hospitals have closed over the past decade. Hospital groups blame Medicare policies dating back to the Obama era for shortening long-distance intensive care. They propose policy changes including expanding the criteria for patients who qualify for Medicare-covered stays and improving the accuracy of payments. They also want stricter requirements for Medicare Advantage plans to include long-formulated hospitals in their provider networks. However, some hospital experts warn that this could lead to continued overcrowding in certain regions.