Minn. health professionals want changes to Medicare

by Jessica Mador, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — A coalition of medical providers is calling for changes in the way Medicare payments are made.

The current system was formulated in the 1960s, and health advocates say it's outdated. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is holding a forum in St. Louis Park today to discuss the problem.

Lee Graczyk with the Minnesota Senior Federation says the system disadvantages Minnesota, which provides a lower volume of services than some other states.

He said the system is forcing many doctors to stop taking new Medicare patients. He says this is putting senior citizens at risk, especially those in rural areas.

"When you're in a small community and you have a local hospital or local clinic and they come to the conclusion that they can't afford to see Medicare patients, the question is where do those people go. And in some of our smaller communities the distance between cities can be 30 or 40 miles," Graczyk said.

Graczyk said the disparity often leads to more expensive care in the long run.