Pete Domenici: “$445; Albuquerque is $430, $15 under Oregon. That is all the government will give as reimbursement if you decide to get…”

“$445; Albuquerque is $430, $15 under Oregon. That is all the government will give as reimbursement if you decide to get into the HMO business with hospitals and everybody else joining together, if you are going to furnish this service. Remember, there are some places getting $800-plus. I am not here to take away anything from anyone. That is how our amendment is different. We are not trying to take the pie, leave it the same size, and say those who are getting more money have to cut back. Rural areas are even lower and are expected to provide the same level of benefits or nearly half the reimbursement. There were seniors who had a marvelous Medicare+Choice Program. Why was it good? It was good because for a reasonable cost they were getting prescription drugs, which you don't get under Medicare, and the whole package was new benefits. Some of them got dental insurance, which they don't get. Some of them got a number of different things they don't get under Medicare, for a premium they could afford. These programs are being closed down every day we delay. Thousands of seniors are getting notices. They had a good program, but they won't have it in January. I want everybody to know if there are going to be any entitlement bills getting out of here on anything that is even close to Medicare, this is an amendment that will be on there--or something better. This amendment says by January 1st of this year, the rates are raised. They are these low rates we are talking about.…”