Lynn N. Rivers: “I find much to criticize in this particular proposal, but I rise today to raise concerns about one particular element…”

“I find much to criticize in this particular proposal, but I rise today to raise concerns about one particular element, that of medical savings accounts within the Medicare proposals. The medical savings accounts were not part of the original budget deal and they represent a $2 billion burden on a Medicare system that is struggling to make it into the next century. I am concerned, Mr. Speaker, that only those who are relatively young and healthy may well make this choice and leave the rest of Medicare to treat those who are older, sicker, poorer, and therefore more expensive to care for. Companies that currently offer MSA's do not want to enroll people with health problems and in fact are not required to do so under the law. As a matter of fact, I would share with my colleagues a communication between a would-be subscriber and Golden Rule Insurance Company in which Golden Rule responds, ``Thank you for your interest in our company. We do currently market health insurance, including the medical savings accounts in your State. However, your medical condition of diabetes would not be one that would fall within our underwriting guidelines. Therefore, we would not be able to consider your coverage.'' They go on to explain that their underwriting standards are very strict and this allows them to charge the lowest rates. Mr. Speaker, my concern is that the wealthy and the healthy will leave Medicare, leaving the system to deal with those who are much sicker.”