To encourage the availability of MedicareAdvantage benefits in medically underserved areas.

SA 1030. Mr. ENZI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make improvements in the medicare program, to provide prescription drug coverage under the medicare program, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

On page 356, strike lines 8 through 11, and insert the following:

“(C) Construction.--Subparagraph (B) shall not be construed as restricting--

“(i) the persons from whom enrollees under such plan may obtain covered benefits; or

“(ii) the categories of licensed health professionals or providers from whom enrollees under such a plan may obtain covered benefits if the covered services are provided to enrollees in a State where 25 percent or more of the population resides in health professional shortage areas designated pursuant to section 332 of the Public Health Service Act.”