[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         WITHIN 2 YEARS, THE MONTHLY PREMIUM HAD RISEN TO $591

                                 ______


                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 1994

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, some would have you believe that the current 
health care system adequately meets the needs of the American people. I 
disagree. The current system of health care leaves millions of people 
uninsured. The current system of health care requires the American 
people to bear excessive medical costs. The current system of health 
care is definitely inadequate. I bring your attention to a letter I 
received from Robert L. Brooks in Minneapolis, MN.
       I was disabled in 1985 at age 50 by Alpha-1 antitrypsin 
     deficiency, the hereditary form of emphysema. I had been 
     employed by Ralston Purina Co. for 29 years and had good 
     benefits including health insurance. I continued this 
     insurance when I had to retire, paying the full premiums. 
     Very shortly after I retired, however, the disability 
     retirees were placed in a separate group plan, which had to 
     be self-sufficient. Within 2 years, the monthly premium for 
     my wife and me had risen to $591, which we could not possibly 
     afford.
       Now I have Medicare benefits only and cannot get 
     supplemental coverage because of my pre-existing condition. 
     Prescription medications are not covered by Medicare; my 
     prescriptions come to $200 per month. My wife cannot work 
     fulltime because of my needs, so we have an individual policy 
     for her with a $1,000 deductible, which at least will help us 
     in case she becomes seriously ill. This is the only insurance 
     we can afford for her.
       We must reform our health care system to provide universal 
     coverage for all Americans, with no exclusion for pre-
     existing conditions. People should not lose their health 
     insurance, and lose their health care, because they suffer a 
     disability or lose their job or just can't afford it. We must 
     cover medications, preventive care, and care that the 
     chronically ill need in their homes. And we must find a way 
     to pay for this coverage--but of course we already pay for it 
     when uninsured people wait until they are very ill and then 
     go to an emergency room.
  The American people need universal health coverage, regardless of 
health status, employment status, or socioeconomic status. They need a 
system which will cover the costs of medication and preventive care. 
Most of all, they need a Congress with the courage to do the right 
thing.

                          ____________________