Section 3127

SEC. 3127. MEDPAC STUDY ON ADEQUACY OF MEDICARE PAYMENTS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS SERVING IN RURAL AREAS.

[a] Study- The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission shall conduct a study on the adequacy of payments for items and services furnished by providers of services and suppliers in rural areas under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.]. Such study shall include an analysis of--

[1] any adjustments in payments to providers of services and suppliers that furnish items and services in rural areas;

[2] access by Medicare beneficiaries to items and services in rural areas;

[3] the adequacy of payments to providers of services and suppliers that furnish items and services in rural areas; and

[4] the quality of care furnished in rural areas.

[b] Report- Not later than January 1, 2011, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection [a]. Such report shall include recommendations on appropriate modifications to any adjustments in payments to providers of services and suppliers that furnish items and services in rural areas, together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission determines appropriate.