Political Quotes

“Today, I stand before you to highlight an injustice which has been done to the men and women who have served this country with selfless dedication. They have devoted themselves to the mission of protecting our country while promoting peace and democracy around the world. For this contribution to our country, we reward their performance with a retirement package which includes health care. Unfortunately, through a series of independent laws, we have created a disjointed health care benefits package which treats retirees differently depending on their age and where they happen to live. I am introducing a bill to correct this disjointed health care policy. There is clearly a double standard affecting our veterans. Under the current provisions of the law, military retirees are eligible to receive health care under the CHAMPUS program until they become 65 years old. After that time, their health care is provided by Medicare. Under the CHAMPUS program, retirees have access to a program known as the mail-order pharmacy program which allows military members and retirees to obtain prescription drugs through the mail. Retirees over the age of 65 years old cannot be supported through the CHAMPUS program under current legislative restrictions. Medicare has no such pharmacy benefit. This means that once retirees become 65 years old, they lose the benefit and convenience of a mail-order pharmacy program.”