Jim Ramstad: “Most importantly, it will help ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have timely access to life-enhancing and life-saving…”

It is important to recognize that the extension of this demonstration will not increase Medicare expenditures for care.

By demonstrating what a primary care oriented nursing practice can accomplish with enrollees who are elderly or disabled, CNOs are helping show us how to increase benefits, save scarce dollars and improve the quality of life for patients.

I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

I urge my colleagues to consider this bill carefully and join me in seeking to extend these cost-savings and health care-enhancing CNO demonstrations for another three years.