Political Quotes

“CBO has looked at this, has determined that it would cost a maximum of $50 million. That assumes that military retirees will avail themselves of this opportunity and, in fact, will use Medicare to a somewhat greater extent than they do now. Mr. Chairman, even though every enlisted service member was promised free quality lifetime health care as partial compensation for their service to their country, Medicare eligible military retirees are not provided adequate access to health care. Free quality lifetime health care is no longer available to people once they become 65 years of age. They are precluded from participating in TriCare, they are prohibited from using Champus, and they are placed last on the priority list at military medical treatment facilities. That is why we have this amendment. Federal civilian retirees and former Members of Congress in comparison have excellent health care. Civilian retirees are able to participate in the same health insurance program they enjoyed when they were active employees. The Federal Government does not kick them out of their insurance program once they become eligible for Medicare.”