E 1048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 16, 1995

Medicare losses with payments from other

payors because of their high Medicare patient

loads. With such low margins, Medicare dependent hospitals are faced with only two

choices: either close or reduce services. In either case, the ultimate losers will be the Medicare beneficiaries these hospitals serve.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and ask that this bill and these remarks

be inserted into the RECORD.

H.R.—

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Medicare

Dependent Hospital Relief Act of 1995’’.

SEC. 2. DEVELOPMENT OF SEPARATE APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE INCREASES FOR

MEDICARE DEPENDENT HOSPITALS

AND OTHER HOSPITALS BY THE

PROSPECTIVE PAYMENT ASSESSMENT COMMISSION.

(a) DEVELOPMENT OF SEPARATE APPLICABLE

PERCENTAGE INCREASES.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Prospective Payment

Assessment Commission established under

section 1886(e)(2) of the Social Security Act

(42 U.S.C. 139ww(e)(2)) (in this section referred to as the ‘‘Commission’’) shall, in accordance with paragraph (2), develop for fiscal year 1997 and each fiscal year thereafter

separate applicable percentage increases described in section 1886(b)(3)(B) of such Act (42

U.S.C. 1395ww(b)(3)(B)) for medicare dependent hospitals and subsection (d) hospitals

which are not medicare dependent hospitals.

(2) EQUALIZATION OF MEDICARE MARGINS.—

The Commission shall develop separate applicable percentage increases under paragraph (1) such that, if such factors were in

effect, the estimated average annual medicare margins of all medicare dependent hospitals in furnishing inpatient hospital services to medicare beneficiaries in such fiscal

year would be equal to the average annual

medicare margins of all subsection (d) hospitals which are not medicare dependent hospitals in furnishing inpatient hospital services to medicare beneficiaries in such fiscal

year.

BUDGET NEUTRALITY.—The Commission

shall provide that the separate applicable

percentage increases developed under paragraph (1) would, if in effect, not result in aggregate payments under section 1886 of the

Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww) to

medicare dependent hospitals and subsection

(d) hospitals which are not medicare dependent hospitals for the furnishing of inpatient

hospital services in a fiscal year in excess of

the aggregate payments under such section

to such hospitals in such fiscal year if such

factors were not in effect.

(b) REPORTS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Beginning in March 1996,

the Commission shall, in each of the Commission’s March reports to the Congress required under section 1886(e)(3) of the Social

Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(e)(3)) include—

(A) the separate applicable percentage increases developed by the Commission under

subsection (a)(1) for the upcoming fiscal

year; and

(B) recommendations on methods to ensure

that medicare beneficiaries who receive services furnished by medicare dependent hospitals have the same access and quality of

care as medicare beneficiaries who are furnished services by subsection (d) hospitals

which are not medicare dependent hospitals.

(2) ANNUAL REVIEW OF MEDICARE MARGINS.—

The Commission shall develop the recommended methods under paragraph (1)(B)

after annually reviewing the average medicare margins in medicare dependent hospitals and the impact of such medicare margins on the medicare dependent hospitals’

overall profit margins.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act, the following definitions apply:

(1) MEDICARE BENEFICIARY.—The term

‘‘medicare beneficiary’’ means an individual

who is entitled to benefits under part A of

title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42

U.S.C. 1395c et seq.).

(2) MEDICARE DEPENDENT HOSPITAL.—The

term ‘‘medicare dependent hospital’’ means

any subsection (d) hospital—

(A) that is not classified as a sole community hospital under section 1886(d)(5)(D) of

the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.

1395ww(d)(5)(D)); and

(B) for which not less than 60 percent of its

inpatient days were attributable to medicare

beneficiaries during 2 of the last 3 preceding

fiscal years for which data is available.

(3) MEDICARE MARGIN.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘medicare margin’’ means for a fiscal year the ratio expressed as a percentage equal to—

(i) the difference between all medicare revenues paid to a hospital for the operating

costs of inpatient hospital services in a fiscal

year and all medicare program eligible expenses for such operating costs for such fiscal year (as shown by each hospital’s HCFA

2552 report submitted annually to the Health

Care Financing Administration); divided by

(ii) all medicare revenues paid to the hospital for the operating costs of inpatient hospital services for such fiscal year.

(B) OPERATING COSTS OF INPATIENT HOSPITAL SERVICES.—The term ‘‘operating costs

of inpatient hospital services’’ has the meaning given such term in section 1886(a)(4) of

the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.

1395ww(a)(4)).

(4) SUBSECTION (d) HOSPITAL.—The term

‘‘subsection (d) hospital’’ has the meaning

given such term in section 1886(d)(1)(B) of the

Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.

IN RECOGNITION OF THE SUCCESS1395ww(d)(1)(B)).

FUL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN

fANCHORAGE NEIGHBORHOOD

HOUSING SERVICES AND THE

NATIONAL BANK OF ALASKA

HON. DON YOUNG OF ALASKA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I would

like to congratulate both the Anchorage Neighborhood Housing Services and the National

Bank of Alaska for being nationally recognized

by the Social Compact in its 1995 Outstanding

Community Investment Awards program for

their partnership achievement: the rehabilitation of a historic downtown property into a

mixed-use rental and retail development.

ANHS and NBA were selected from over 160

applicants from across the country for their

highly effective and innovative community investment strategies.

The project, known as the Loussac-Sogn

Limited Partnership, marked a series of firsts

in Anchorage: National Bank of Alaska [NBA]

was the first financial institution in Alaska to

purchase historic and low-income housing tax

credits, Loussac-Sogn was the first housing

built downtown since 1980, and it was the first

limited partnership between a nonprofit and financial institution to provide for the housing

needs of low-income individuals.

The shortage of affordable housing in Anchorage is critical. Significant increases in

number of low- and moderate-income residents and a concurrent loss of almost 1,000

substandard housing units between 1988 and

1990 created the severe shortage. A decline

in per capita income caused by a shift in the

economy from oil-based jobs to service jobs

also contributed to the problem. The affordable housing available in the Loussac-Sogn

Single Rental Occupancy [SRO] building is

helping alleviate the situation.

Located in Anchorage’s downtown business

district, this historically significant, 42,000

square foot art moderne structure was rehabilitated and preserved according to national

historic standards. The building will be placed

on the National Historic Register in 1996. It includes retail businesses on the ground floor

and 52 renovated and furnished single room

occupancy housing units on the upper floors.

Residents, very-low income adults, will stay at

Loussac-Sogn as the first step in a continuum

of housing provided by Anchorage Neighborhood Housing Services [ANHS]. Support services, provided through a case management

system, will also help the residents more successfully bridge a transitional period before

finding permanent, independent housing.

The project could not have been completed

without NBA’s leadership and participation

throughout the process. They assisted with the

complex acquisition of the land and building.

The bank convinced the landowner that the

creation of low-income housing would be within its purpose as a charitable organization,

and then they negotiated with the building’s

owners to settle litigation so that it could sell

the property to ANHS at a reasonable price.

NBA also provided funds in acquisition and

renovation equity and a construction loan with

$1.55 million in financing through the Alaska

Housing Finance Corporation. The additional

financing needed to complete Loussac-Sogn

was obtained through taxable bond financing

and grants from the local historic preservation

nonprofit, the Neighborhood Reinvestment

Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan

Bank of Seattle. NBA also stepped in with

needed support when ANHS assumed the role

of general contractor in order to address unexpected hazardous materials abatement requirements.

The Loussac-Sogn SRO is an asset and enhancement of downtown Anchorage. The residents take an active part in the community

and focus on particular problems such as

crime prevention. Thanks to Loussac-Sogn,

businesses have learned about the positive effects of low-income housing.

TRIBUTE TO JESS DAMESWORTH

fHON. SANDER M. LEVIN OF MICHIGAN

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it has become

widely accepted in our Nation that when people become unemployed through no fault of

their own, there should be a bridge for them

and their family until a return to remunerative

work.

It took considerable effort to weave that

principle into America’s economic fabric and it

has taken constant effort to maintain it.

Jess Damesworth has been in the center of

that endeavor. As unemployment compensation director for the United Automobile Workers for over a decade, he has devoted his
May 16, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E 1049

high energy and substantial talents to his

work. Thousands and thousands, inside and

outside of the UAW, owe a debt of gratitude

to Jess’ dedication. He has worked with industry to make the system work more effectively.

On Thursday, May 18, a retirement dinner

will be held to honor Jess’ years of service.

There will be words of praise from leadership

and rank an file. Both will have witnessed the

good efforts of Jess Damesworth. As someone who has been privileged to work with

Jess over the last decade, I heartily join in the

accolades to him.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DRUGFREE SCHOOLS

fHON. JACK FIELDS OF TEXAS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was

pleased to learn that four schools located in

my congressional district are recipients of this

year’s Drug Free Schools Award, presented

annually by the U.S. Department of Education.

The four schools—Ehrhardt Elementary

School, Strack Intermediate School, Dueitt

Middle School, and Tomball Intermediate

School—were among just 98 schools nationwide to be so recognized. Winning this award

attests to the hard work and concern of the

students, faculty and administrators of these

four schools, as well as to the hard work and

concern of the parents of the students attending those four schools.

In particular, I would like to congratulate

Heather Maedgen, principal of Ehrhardt Elementary School in Klein; Gary Jones, principal

of Strack Elementary School in Klein; Rosalind

Keck, principal of Dueitt Middle School in

Spring; and Dr. Lee Weeditz, principal of

Tomball Intermediate School. Their leadership

in eliminating drugs and alcohol from their

schools, and in creating a positive learning environment, has inspired educators and students alike to work together for the common

good.

America’s Goals 2000—a series of educational goals to which President Bush committed our nation—includes a commitment that

‘‘by the year 2000 every school in the United

States will be free of drugs, violence, and the

unauthorized presence of firearms and alcohol, and will offer a disciplined environment

conducive to learning.’’

Mr. Speaker, the four schools located in my

congressional district that have received the

Drug Free Schools Award are well on their

way to achieving that goal of a drug-free, alcohol-free and nonviolent environment in which

teachers can teach and students can learn.

Again, I congratulate everyone associated with

those schools—students, administrators, faculty members and parents—on this tremendous, and well-deserved honor.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FACTS

fHON. JACK METCALF OF WASHINGTON

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mr. METCALF. Mr. Speaker, while discussing the massive Federal debt and annual

budget deficits of over $200 billion at a recent

town hall meeting in Oak Harbor, WA, I used

a Member of the other body as an example of

the old guard in Washington, DC. I criticized

him for his opposition to the Balanced Budget

Amendment, his reputation for securing questionable spending projects for West Virginia,

and his unwillingness to cut wasteful Federal

spending.

I then said in a light-hearted vein at the

town hall meeting that because of this, the

Member should be tarred and feathered. Historically, since the late 1800’s, tarred and

feathered has been a humorous reference,

meaning community outrage at a person who

violates the general good of the community. I

have never, nor would I ever, seriously advocate mob violence toward anyone.

A more important note, in my mind, however, is the misinformation regarding a remark,

made from the audience, that the Member

should be shot. At the time of the comment I

was speaking and thus did not hear nor was

I aware of what had been said. Had I heard

the statement at the time, I would have condemned it on the spot.

Political rhetoric is one thing, but threatening

violence is quite another. I have always condemned senseless acts of violence and have

worked to enact laws ensuring swift and sure

punishment for those who break the law.

My comments were intended to illustrate the

abuses of the old, outdated political process,

certainly not to support the use of violence.

IN APPRECIATION OF THE COMMITMENT OF WILLIAM REES

fHARRIS TO THE SALISBURY

VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SERVICE

HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON OF CONNECTICUT

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and appreciation that

I rise today to commend Rees Harris, a lifelong resident of Salisbury, CT, for his generosity and leadership in forming the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service in 1971.

Rees is known throughout the northwest

corner of Connecticut for his vision of community life and his commitment to and support of

programs that support the needs of the residents of the small towns, like Salisbury, that

comprise the northwest corner. In 1971,

through Rees’ personal generosity, the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service was established. Today, Rees will be honored by the

board of trustees of the service in recognition

of his dedication and compassion for his

neighbors and for contributing to the quality of

life they all enjoy.

In a small, tight-knit community such as

Salisbury, many good deeds are accomplished, as neighbor helps neighbor in a quiet

fashion. Rees is a humble man, a gentleman

who has earned the respect of his peers for

his unending concern for all those who call

home the very special community of Salisbury,

CT.

I know Rees finds deep, personal satisfaction through helping others, and on behalf of

my Salisbury constituents, I express appreciation for his contributions to the lives of many

and for strengthening the services and institutions on which the community relies.

TRIBUTE TO GILBERT MURRAY

fHON. FRANK RIGGS OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay

homage to a very special person, who was recently taken away from us by a cowardly and

desperate act. Gilbert Murray, president of the

California Forestry Association, was killed on

April 24, 1995, by a mail bomb at his office in

Sacramento, CA.

Gil touched many lives, both professionally

and personally. He dedicated his life to protecting the forests, which he learned to love as

a child. He continued to explore and enjoy the

outdoor world as an adult. He taught his family

to love and appreciate nature in all its majestic

forms—exploring mountain peaks, churning

rivers, tropical reefs, snowclad hillsides, glaciers, and deep blue lakes.

Born on June 18, 1947, Gil spent most of

his childhood in Southern California. After

serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967–

70 in Vietnam, he returned to the United

States to marry his childhood sweetheart,

Connie.

Gil spent most of his professional life devoted to forestry issues. After graduating from

the University of California at Berkeley in 1975

with a degree in forestry, he went to work as

a dirt forester for Collins Pine Co. in Chester,

CA. Through the years he worked in several

organizations involved in forestry, eventually

rising to the presidency of the California Forestry Association.

What is unique and special about Gil is the

incredible amount of love and affection that his

friends and family have for him. Devoted to his

job, he never lost sight of the people around

him. His family was always his first priority.

Perhaps his young niece stated it best, ‘‘He

was just the best person in the world.’’

Mr. Speaker, I hope all Members will join

me in saluting Gilbert Murray and condemning

his assassination. Gil was indeed a special

person, and we can all best respect his life by

advancing his ideals now that he is gone.

GOP SAVES MEDICARE

fHON. STEPHEN E. BUYER OF INDIANA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, Medicare is in

dire need of improvements. Medicare part A

will go bankrupt by 2002; in just 7 years. Medicare part B, has already begun to lose

money. Medicare is our forth largest Federal

budget item, consuming 12 percent of the

budget.

If the Medicare system is not reformed now,

we may not have a program to reform in the

very near future. Since 1992, Medicare has

been paying out more money in claims than it

has received in payroll taxes. These services

must be run in a more responsible and fiscally

prudent manner while maintaining Medicare’s

quality.