WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement today after Medicare legislation passed the United States Senate. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 would prevent funding cuts to Pennsylvania hospitals and physicians, add critical benefits for older citizens and protect access to care for Pennsylvanians living in rural areas.
“Thanks to Senator Kennedy’s inspirational return, the Senate has finally passed the stalled Medicare legislation. Two weeks after the first vote and over a week after the Medicare provisions expired, I’m pleased that we were able to pass this legislation that would benefit seniors, patients, hospitals and members of the military.
“Senator Kennedy’s vote seemed to have inspired more senators who had previously opposed the bill to change their vote. I hope that President Bush notes the veto-proof majorities that supported the Medicare bill in the House and Senate and abandons his threat to veto the bill.
“This bill would also extend a formula for Medicare funding to certain hospitals so they could continue to pay health care workers in accordance with wages from surrounding areas. That provision is crucial in my home area of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where we have one of the highest percentages of people over 65 in the country. We need to fix this wage index problem so that we can recruit the best health care staff and deliver the highest quality care possible.”
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“Thanks to Senator Kennedy’s inspirational return, the Senate has finally passed the stalled Medicare legislation. Two weeks after the first vote and over a week after the Medicare provisions expired, I’m pleased that we were able to pass this legislation that would benefit seniors, patients, hospitals and members of the military.
“Senator Kennedy’s vote seemed to have inspired more senators who had previously opposed the bill to change their vote. I hope that President Bush notes the veto-proof majorities that supported the Medicare bill in the House and Senate and abandons his threat to veto the bill.
“This bill would also extend a formula for Medicare funding to certain hospitals so they could continue to pay health care workers in accordance with wages from surrounding areas. That provision is crucial in my home area of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where we have one of the highest percentages of people over 65 in the country. We need to fix this wage index problem so that we can recruit the best health care staff and deliver the highest quality care possible.”
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