Kent Conrad: “today, I am introducing the Rural Health Improvement Act of 2001. This proposal is the result of a bipartisan and…”

“today, I am introducing the Rural Health Improvement Act of 2001. This proposal is the result of a bipartisan and bicameral effort. I am proud to be joined by Senator Thomas the lead cosponsor of the bill, along with Senators Daschle, Roberts, Johnson, Lincoln, Jeffords, Crapo, Rockefeller, Harkin, Dorgan, Wellstone, Bond, Helms, Cochran, Edwards, Hutchinson, Domenici, Burns, and Bingaman. I would also like to thank our House companions, led by Representatives Moran and McIntyre. In addition, I would like to thank the National Rural Health Association, the Federation of American Hospitals, the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, the American Hospital Association, and the College of American Pathologists for their support of this effort. Working together, I believe we are taking important steps toward improving access to health care in our rural communities. Rural health care providers are often forced to operate with significantly fewer resources than larger, urban facilities. In my State of North Dakota, rural hospitals often receive only half the Medicare reimbursement of their urban counterparts. For example, a rural facility in North Dakota receives approximately $4,200 for treating pneumonia, while Our Lady of Mercy in New York city receives more than $8,500. This funding disparity is simply unfair and has placed many rural providers on shaky ground.”