Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to support removing the provision on the increase in Medicare eligibility. I would like to see that removed. This…”

“I rise to support removing the provision on the increase in Medicare eligibility. I would like to see that removed. This provision, as we all know, calls for increasing the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67. Throughout our negotiations on the bipartisan budget agreement, there was no serious discussion--none--of increasing the eligibility age for Medicare. And, if there was, even the most casual discussion didn't wind up in the bill. So it wasn't believed in the contentious review that it would be appropriate. Nor has this issue been the subject of hearings or serious debate in the 105th Congress. There is nothing in the budget resolution that calls for dealing with the issue, as I said. Nevertheless, the bill before us would increase the eligibility age for Medicare and would do so without protecting the seniors aged 65 and 66 to make sure that they will have access to affordable health insurance as they age. Typically corporations now have men aged 65 to offer retirement in many cases, and that is the vulnerable age. If there is an illness that befalls someone or they run into economic differences during that period of time, that is a very harmful experience. I think it would be a serious mistake to do that without making certain that the those aged 65 and 66 are protected.”