Schumer Pushing for Reform to Medicare Law

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer stopped by UHS Binghamton General Hospital Monday to push for a change to the medicare law.

Currently seniors admitted to a hospital under observation status are not covered for post hospital needs, which can cause out of pocket payments upwards of thousands of dollars.

Schumer wants to change this law by passing the “Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act.” This act would treat seniors under hospital care for 24 hours as regular patients and entitle them to medicare coverage.

The law would also cover the cost of services such as rehabilitation and prescription medication after observation stays. Schumer is looking to get his plan passed in September.