The Medicare Community Health Center and Rural Health Clinic Amendments would improve the availability of health services in both urban and rural communities by increasing Medicare support for community health centers and rural health clinics. I am pleased to report that Senator CHAFEE will be introducing a similar bill. There are currently 37 million Americans without health insurance coverage. Health care services provided to the indigent are supported through Federal assistance to community health centers. migrant health centers. and programs for the homeless. Under these Federal programs. centers are required to provide primary care services at discounted rates. where the fee is a function of the patients income. Because lowincome Medicare beneficiaries receive care at the same discounted rates. the Medicare Program pays at reduced levels.