Congressman says compromise may be near on Medicare

Congressman Jim Nussle, chairman of the House Budget Committee, says a compromise plan may be near that’d restructure the Medicare system which finances health care for the elderly. Nussle, a republican from Manchester, says he believes Congress has “turned the corner” on getting a Medicare modernization bill passed. Nussle says all five Iowa congressmen have been pushing to increase the Medicare reimbursement rate for Iowa doctors, hospitals and other health care institutions that provide care to the elderly.Nussle says the House will pass a Medicare modernization bill by Memorial Day and the bill will include a prescription drug benefit for seniors. Then, Nussle says the question is whether the Senate will endorse the measure, too. Iowa has the lowest Medicare reimbursement rate in the nation.