WASHINGTON (AP)--Border hospitals and those required by law to treat illegal immigrants will receive $1 billion over four years to defray the costs under major health legislation that neared passage by the Senate on Monday. The provision was part of the Medicare bill, overhauling government health care coverage for the nation's elderly. It appeared headed to President Bush. Each state would be eligible for reimbursement, but the funding formula is skewed to help border hospitals that frequently treat illegal immigrants. Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., said cash-strapped hospitals in his state have been forced to scale back services or close their...
