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Edwards Criticizes GOP Inaction On Medicare Reimbursement Rates

Date: Nov. 25, 2003
Location: Des Moines, IA
Issues: Senior Citizens Entitlements and the Safety Net Health Insurance

Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Edwards Criticizes GOP Inaction On Medicare Reimbursement Rates

DES MOINES, IA: North Carolina Senator John Edwards issued the following statement today on the fact that the unfair prescription drug plan pushed by Republicans still leaves Iowa's reimbursement rate for Medicare costs last in the nation:

"The Republicans' approach to improving and strengthening Medicare is unwise and unfair, particularly to Iowa's seniors, and that's why I voted against the Republican legislation this morning. Iowa's health care system and the seniors who depend on it have suffered because Iowa does not receive its fair share of reimbursements for services provided under Medicare. Republicans in Congress have repeatedly failed to address this important issue, and it is unfortunate that Iowa's Republican Senator Charles Grassley has been pushing a bill that doesn't adequately address the Medicare reimbursement gap and is so harmful for seniors everywhere in the long run. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Harkin, Congressman Boswell and other Democrats in Congress to increase the Medicare payment rates in Iowa and address the unfair disparities between urban and rural Medicare payments."

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