Kent Conrad: “Today, Senator Thomas and I would like to introduce the Health Care Access and Rural Equity, (H-CARE), Act of 2003. This…”

“Today, Senator Thomas and I would like to introduce the Health Care Access and Rural Equity, (H-CARE), Act of 2003. This proposal is the result of a tripartisan and Bicameral effort. We are proud to be joined by 24 Members who also support the bill, including--Senators Harkin, Grassley, Roberts, Daschle, Dorgan, Smith, Johnson, Lincoln, Domenici, Rockefeller, Burns, Bingaman, Jeffords, Cochran, Levin, Talent, Edwards, Bond, Pryor, Dayton, Snowe, Cantwell and Murray. I would also like to thank our House companions, led by Representatives Moran (R-KS), and Pomeroy. Working together, I believe we are taking important steps toward improving access to health care in our rural communities. In addition, I would like to thank the National Rural Health Association, the Federation of American Hospitals, the American Hospital Association, Premier Hospital Alliance and the Coalition representing Sole Community Hospitals for their support of this effort. As my colleagues may know, rural health care providers are often forced to operate with significantly less resources that larger, urban facilities. In my State of North Dakota, rural hospitals often receive only half the reimbursement of their urban counterparts--for treating the same patient. For example, a rural facility in North Dakota receives approximately $4,200 for treating pneumonia, while a hospital in New York City can receive more than $8,500.”