[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 59 (Thursday, March 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      OUR VETERANS DESERVE NO LESS

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 1995
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today in support of 
the concept of Medicare subvention, found in H.R. 580 and H.R. 861. 
These two bills would let military retirees and veterans use their 
Medicare benefits at military or VA hospitals.
  I take great interest in this legislation because the concepts 
contained in H.R. 861 originated in my hometown--with Col. Walter D. 
Mikulich, Maj. Edward H. Townsend, and Lt. Col. George R. Smith, in the 
San Diego military retiree and veteran health care study group.
  Military health care facilities can actually treat older military 
retirees for less than Medicare pays civilian providers, but cannot 
afford to enroll Medicare-eligible retirees unless Congress changes the 
law to allow reimbursement from Medicare. So, older military retirees 
are now limited to using Medicare in the civilian community at a higher 
cost to everyone--Medicare, taxpayers, and beneficiaries. Those who do 
use military facilities lose the Medicare benefit they deserve.
  The exclusion of retired personnel from the military health care 
system undermines the long-term interest of our country. A crucial 
aspect of personnel readiness is maintaining strong incentives for 
high-quality personnel to continue to serve full military careers. 
Offers of lifetime health care benefits are one of the primary 
incentives that induced many current retired members to serve military 
careers that often spanned two or three wars. Now, they are upset at 
the broken promise--and the prospect of no coverage but Medicare, at a 
time when reductions in Medicare benefits are on the congressional 
table.
  Another consideration is the recruitment and retention of quality 
medical personnel at our military hospitals. Professional advancement 
means that medical personnel must see and treat a wide range of 
patients with a broad spectrum of medical problems. Medicare-eligible 
retirees would provide that clinical experience.
  Medicare subvention is an idea that makes sense for everyone. Older 
retirees have earned military health care through decades of selfless 
service to this great country. It is time for us to keep our promise to 
our veterans and provide them access to the VA and military health care 
facilities of their choice.


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