Political Quotes

“I rise to offer a very important amendment to many of our seniors. My amendment would allow individuals to voluntarily opt out of Medicare Part A benefits. Right now, if you don't want to have Medicare Part A, you have to forego Social Security checks and you also have to repay any Medicare benefits that have been paid on your behalf. I don't think that is fair. If a senior doesn't want Part A, they shouldn't be forced to take it. My amendment says that anyone who opts out of Part A will not have to give up their Social Security benefits and would not have to repay Medicare payments that have already been made on their behalf. This amendment does not allow anyone to opt out of paying their Medicare taxes. Instead, it just allows them to not take Medicare benefits without being penalized. I think this is a fairness issue, and I hope Members can support it.”