On the recordJune 28, 2000
It is right that this body address the problem of prescription medications. It is far past time. I have worked on this issue since I came to this Congress. But as we do so, we must not make the mistake of perpetuating and exacerbating a fundamental inequity in the Medicare system right now. That inequity is this: although every single American pays into the rate at the same payroll rate, we actually receive differential benefits depending upon where we live, such that small urban, suburban and rural hospitals in my district are closing; people are doing without benefits while beneficiaries elsewhere in the country are receiving prescription drug benefits already. This is wrong. The Republican bill is a placebo bill. It makes one feel good if they believe in it, but it does nothing of substance. We must redress the inequities in the AAPCC rates.
Source
govinfo.gov
