By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The US Senate failed to approve an amendment by New York Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton Thursday to freeze impending cuts in the Medicare program. If something isn't done by March 1st, Clinton said the impact on hospitals in New York would be devastating.
"I've been told that many of our hospitals will face increasing budget strains, leading to more diversions from their emergency rooms, even closing of certain services," Clinton said. "There is also the possibility of layoffs of nurses and other personnel."
Clinton also warns that doctors, who will see a decrease in their Medicare reimbursements, will drop the program.
Clinton said she did receive assurances from the Senate's Republican majority that some action will be taken on the Medicare issue before the March 1st deadline.