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Editorial: Hospitals’ upswing should aid Medicare

Wednesday, March 14, 2001 | 9:25 a.m.

Health care providers were upset with Congress in 1997 when their Medicare payments were cut, saying they were too severe. So in the last two years Congress has restored some of the funding, but some providers -- including hospitals -- say it isn't enough.

But Congress should heed the advice of its Medicare advisory commission, which says no further increases in Medicare payments to hospitals are warranted, citing a recent review that found the hospitals' financial condition has improved. Congress then should take this opportunity and listen to the AARP. The advocacy group for seniors notes that now that health care providers have been taken care of, some of the budget surplus should be directed at expanding benefits for Medicare patients, including the passage of a prescription drug benefit.

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