Political Quotes

“I thank Mr. Aderholt for his remarkable work on this bill, particularly under the trying circumstances in which we find ourselves. One area of concern I would like to touch on is the Medicare wage index. The wage index is unfair to rural southern States like Alabama. Alabama has one of the lowest reimbursement rates in the Nation. Even worse, Mobile and Baldwin Counties, which I represent, face a huge struggle with the labor market since they are so close to Florida and competing with Florida's higher reimbursement rate. A small adjustment to this classification for Mobile and Baldwin Counties would level the playing field at a time when hiring and retaining healthcare workers is at such a critical stage. It would also address the massive population growth that we are having in these counties and the increasingly older population on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The reclassification is carefully designed to address this unique situation. These carve-outs have been accomplished for decades in higher reimbursement States while lowering the reimbursement for States that need it the most and that have been ignored. To achieve more fair funding in healthcare, especially in a unique situation like Mobile and Baldwin Counties, a reclassification is the right thing to do. Mr. Chair, I support this bill, and I hope that by working together, we can address these critical issues and ensure a brighter future for our communities.”