[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       INTRODUCTION OF THE MEDICARE SELECT EXPANSION ACT OF 1995

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                         HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 11, 1995
  Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a 
proposal to expand and make permanent the Medicare Select Program. My 
colleague, Senator Chafee will be introducing an identical proposal in 
the Senate today as well.
  The Medicare Select Program is currently a demonstration project that 
operates in only 15 States. It provides America's senior citizens with 
a Medigap managed care option. The program has been extremely 
successful. There are currently over 450,000 individuals enrolled in 
Medicare select policies. These individuals are enjoying premium 
savings over traditional fee-for-service Medigap policies that range 
from 10 to 37 percent. In real world terms, these reduced premiums 
translate into savings of up to $25 a month or $300 a year. This is 
obviously a significant savings for individuals on fixed incomes.
  In addition, these policies are proving to be among the highest 
quality products available in the Medigap market today. In August 1994, 
Consumer Reports rated the top Medigap insurers nationwide. Eight of 
the top rated products were Medicare select plans. To date, there have 
been no reported abuses or problems with the Medicare Select Program.
  This program also enjoys broad bipartisan support. Last year, 239 
members cosponsored legislation to extend the program. In addition, the 
National Governors Association, the National Association of Insurance 
Commissioners, National Conference of State Legislatures, Families USA, 
and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security, and Medicare 
support expanding and making this program permanent.
  The savings and benefits associated with the Medicare Select Program 
should be available to all of America's senior citizens. By expanding 
the program and making it permanent, Medicare select products will 
become much more broadly available and hundreds of thousands of seniors 
will, for the first time, be able to recognize the savings current 
participants in the program enjoy.
  Mr. Speaker, Medicare select is now set to expire at the end of June. 
If this Congress does not move quickly to enact this legislation, 
America's senior citizens will lose access to one of the most 
successful programs in recent history. I strongly encourage my 
colleagues to cosponsor this legislation and look forward to providing 
seniors continued access to this very important program.


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