Thursday, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander introduced legislation led by U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) to ensure hospitals are fairly reimbursed for their services by the federal government.

The legislation would help hospitals remain open and functioning, especially in underserved and economically struggling regions by correcting a flawed formula that results in disproportionately low Medicare reimbursement payments to hospitals in rural and low-wage areas.

Alexander made the following statement on this legislation:

"Tennessee hospitals, like many hospitals across the country, have seen drastic decreases in Medicare payments while other areas of the country get more for the same services because of a flawed reimbursement formula in Medicare. This legislation will help protect hospitals in Tennessee from these shrinking Medicare reimbursements that make it harder for them to recruit staff, care for patients and stay in business."