CONGRESSMAN TOUTS HEALTH CARE EFFORT

Congressman Bill Emerson Thursday praised the Rural Health Care Coalition (RHCC) reform priorities as "a solid outline of objectives." Emerson is a member of the coalition's steering committee, and chairman of its task force on grants.

"Rural areas have been, quite frankly, on the short end of the stick when it comes to the federal government recognizing our health care concerns," he said.

"The situation is critical, and as long as any eventual `reform' proposal includes the major tenants outlined here today - enhancing rural care through technological improvements, increasing the incentives for physicians and facilities regarding rural care while holding down costs, adding flexibility at all levels of government and health care so rural needs can be met, etc. - our nation's health care system will be on the right road to recovery," Emerson said.

On Thursday, Emerson also introduced two pieces of legislation regarding the RHCC. He sought reauthorization of both the State Offices of Rural Health Program, and the Rural Health Care Transition Grant Program.