Rod Grams: “I rise today in support of some very important Medicare reforms made within the reconciliation package before us.…”

“I rise today in support of some very important Medicare reforms made within the reconciliation package before us. Specifically, I am pleased the committee included reforms to the formula used to determine the reimbursement rate for health plans under the Medicare Program to make it fairer and more equitable for States like Minnesota and other parts of rural America, changes to ensure better access to emergency medical services, and an expansion of Medical Savings Accounts. Reform of the Adjusted Average Per Capita Cost formula has been needed for years because the formula has discriminated against seniors who choose to live and retire in rural communities. It has penalized States like Minnesota which are efficient in delivering health care services, and in doing so, discouraged quality health care. Since being elected to the Senate in 1994, I have made restoring fairness and equity to Medicare recipients in Minnesota and other parts of rural America a top priority. Mr. President, we are all aware of the fact that the current Medicare reimbursement formula discriminates against Minnesota by giving our State the second-lowest payment rates in the Nation.”