[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 138 (Thursday, October 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1956-E1957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN SUPPORT OF HOSPITALS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2003

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for 
hospitals, both in my

[[Page E1957]]

district and throughout the country. Rural hospitals have been 
especially hard hit, and without the support of two important 
provisions in the Medicare bill, their livelihood will be threatened.
  I support keeping a full market basket for hospitals in HR 1. Without 
this annual reimbursement adjustment to keep up with inflation, 
hospitals could stand to lose 12 billion in inpatient payments. For my 
home state of Illinois, this could mean a loss of $92 million over 
three years. Providers, especially those in rural areas like my 
district, depend on this money to stay open in traditionally 
underserved communities.
  Restoring the Indirect Medical Education payments is another one of 
my priorities for the Medicare bill. IME payments go to teaching 
hospitals, whose role is crucial to the survival of our health care 
system. These payments acknowledge teaching hospitals' higher costs due 
to the specialized treatment provided to sicker patients. Not only do 
they provide unique care, teaching hospitals are also producing our 
next generation of caregivers. Unfortunately, these hospitals will lose 
more than 4 billion dollars over the next four years because of a cut 
last year. The reinstatement of the IME to 6.5% would enable these 
hospitals to continue their mission.
  These important provisions will enhance the quality of care and will 
make a major difference for Medicare beneficiaries all over the 
country.
  I applaud my colleagues on the Conference Committee for the hard work 
they have done and continue to do to reach agreements for the good of 
our constituents.

                          ____________________