[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE RURAL HEALTHCARE ACCESS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAX SANDLIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Mr. SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Rural 
Healthcare Access Improvement Act of 2003.
  Our rural Medicare providers need help. For too long they have 
suffered the consequences of inadequate Medicare reimbursements that 
hurt physicians, hurt hospitals and most of all hurt patients. My 
constituents in East Texas have shared their concerns with me and I 
know full-well that we don't finally start acting to change this, our 
Nation's healthcare delivery system and our Nation's fellow citizens 
will suffer irreparably.
  Last week Senator Grassley bravely stood up during the Tax bill 
debate and offered an amendment that would help our rural providers. It 
passed in an overwhelming bi-partisan vote of 86-12 in the United 
States Senate. I applaud his efforts and the support from his 
colleagues in making the unique needs of our rural communities a 
priority.
  We should not waste any more time in the House of Representatives in 
meeting the needs of our rural providers. Today, I offer the Rural 
Healthcare Access Improvement Act of 2003. This bill, similar in scope 
to Senator Grassley's amendment offers real opportunities to assist our 
rural health care providers. As my colleagues know, the Center for 
Medicare and Medicaid Services uses a reimbursement formula that favors 
urban areas over rural areas. This formula is deeply flawed though and 
fails to allow our providers to even break even on many of their 
expenses. My legislation will directly assist our hospitals by 
equalizing Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments, by 
equalizing urban and rural ``standardized payment'' levels, by 
assisting Critical Access Hospitals, and by establishing a floor on the 
geographic adjustments of payments for doctors' services. It will also 
improve reimbursement for home health services, ground ambulance 
services and hospital outpatient procedures.
  We can not wait any longer. Our rural communities are desperately in 
need of help and we must answer their call.

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