June 12, 2003
Key Senate Panel to Pass Prescription Drug Legislation Containing Significant Aid for Rural Health Care
Washington, DC – Later tonight, the Senate Finance Committee is expected to pass legislation providing a Medicare prescription drug benefit with the support of Senator Gordon Smith. The package also includes over $25 billion to address funding shortfalls in rural health care.
"We're on the verge of passing the most significant health care legislation since the creation of Medicare itself," Smith said. "Both Congress and the president are committed to ensuring that no senior will ever again have to choose between buying food and buying medicine."
The Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvements Act contains a new prescription drug benefit requiring a minimal deductible, which provides substantial financial assistance to seniors based on their ability to pay, while covering catastrophic expenses of Medicare enrollees. Senator Smith also advocated the addition of a $25 billion package which will narrow the gap in hospital payments between urban and rural areas. It will also provide increased funding for rural doctors, home health agencies, and ambulance services. These funds have long been a priority for Senator Smith who voted to include the increases in the recently-passed economic growth package. President Bush has also indicated that he supports the added rural health care provisions.
"Doctors and hospitals in Oregon have long been shortchanged in health care funds," Smith said. "It has forced many doctors to leave the system, and it has made it more difficult for those who continue to treat senior citizens. It is high time that we provide the resources needed to give Oregonians the health care they deserve."
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