July 02, 2007

Congressman Braley Holds Public Meeting At Genesis

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Iowa First District Congressman Bruce Braley will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 5 at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme St., to discuss proposed legislation to help Iowa retain doctors in rural areas.

The meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Adler Education Center on the lower level of the Genesis Heart Institute, 1236 East Rusholme St., Davenport.

On June 22, Braley introduced a bill that would increase Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians in Iowa and other rural states.  The legislation is intended to help Iowa retain doctors and improve patient access to quality healthcare.

“There is a ‘brain drain’ of doctors from Iowa and other small, rural states,’’ Rep. Braley said. “States with higher Medicare reimbursement rates are
more attractive to practicing doctors.  If you can earn more practicing medicine in California than in Iowa, then you’re more likely to practice in California.’’

Last week, Rep. Braley introduced a bill that would more than double the size of the National Health Services Corps Program. The program is a scholarship and student loan repayment program for doctors who commit to practicing medicine in underserved areas following their education.
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