Rural Reimbursement
For too many years, Medicare has paid urban providers far more than our rural providers for the same services. This is unfair, and makes it even more difficult for rural hospitals to recruit and retain workers.
Senator Dorgan worked with Senator Conrad in 2003 to create a program that levels the playing field. By allowing rural hospitals in North Dakota to reclassify to another wage index, their program ensures providers will receive a fair payment rate for providing services to Medicare beneficiaries. This program brings hospital wages in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot and Williston in line with Fargo. North Dakota hospitals used this funding to increase salaries and benefits and hire additional personnel.
Although this is a step in the right direction, Senator Dorgan is committed to finding long-term solutions to eliminate the payment disparity between urban and rural providers. This will go a long way in helping to recruit healthcare professionals to work in rural and underserved areas, and ensure access to quality healthcare across the state.
