Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, time is of the essence. That is the basic principle underlying our consideration of this legislation today. In 1990, Congress created the Medicare Select Program to allow Medicare recipients the option of purchasing a MediGap managed care option. This 15-State demonstration project is set to expire on June 30, a date that is not so far away when you consider that we are about to begin a 3-week district work period. Unless Congress takes prompt action to renew this program, the insurance benefits of nearly half a million senior citizens covered by the Medicare Select Program would be in jeopardy. Failure to extend the program's authority would most likely lead to higher premiums for current enrollees, presenting a new burden for senior citizens who live on fixed incomes. The legislation before us, crafted by the distinguished gentlewoman from Connecticut [Mrs. Johnson], expands this option now being tried successfully in 15 States to seniors in all 50 States, extends the program for a minimum of 5 additional years, and puts it on track to becoming permanent if the Secretary of Health and Human Services certifies that certain conditions have been met.”