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By Staff
Parks and rec say thank you
Editor:
Hartselle Parks and Recreation sends a big thank you to the following people for their help with our Hodgepodge Junction Holiday Bazaar: Gary McKenzie and students, Chappell's Family Karate, Hartselle Junior High Dance Team, Kaylon King, Hunter King, Tammy Lee, Parkway Senior Circle Line Dancers, Hartselle Jump Rope Team, Hopewell Baptist Church, Pepsi-Cola Company, Madison Cooper and Jay Lawrence.
Thanks to these people, we are able to provide assistance for area needy families with the money raised during the bazaar.
Without them, this would not have been possible.
Hartselle Parks and Recreation
Bill will help elderly, healthcare
Editor:
A bill passed this week in Congress will significantly impact health care services for seniors, as well as Alabamians of all ages. Basically, the bill provides those aged 65 and older or those who are disabled with assistance in getting prescription drugs. It also ensures that hospitals will still be financially able to care for these and all patients. Let me explain.
The federal government decides how much it will pay for health care providers for taking care of Medicare patients. And, since approximately 40 percent of all hospitalizations involve Medicare patients, those government payments will have a significant impact on hospitals' bottom lines. Over the last few years, these payments have not kept pace with inflation and, in many states like Alabama, payments are almost half what they are in other states for the exact same procedure. While the newly passed prescription drug bill does not totally fix the inequities, it goes a long way in providing much-needed financial relief for hospitals and other health care providers. And for this, we have the members of the Alabama congressional delegation to thank.
Our members of Congress have worked tirelessly for several years now to make their colleagues aware of the problems with the Medicare payment formula. They understand the tremendous financial struggles of Alabama's hospitals and know that maintaining access to good health care is critical to our state's welfare. We are deeply appreciative for their leadership and believe all Alabamians should be grateful for their efforts as well.
Frank Harris, Chairman
Alabama Hospital Association
CEO Russell Medical Center
Alexander City