[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 12, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H6837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INFLATION IS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE REPUBLICAN MEDICARE PROPOSAL

  (Mr. HOKE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  (Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, I am glad that the gentleman previously 
speaking brought up some of these points because it absolutely makes 
the point that we have been trying to make on this side of the aisle: 
$4,816 per year in 1995, $6,734 per year in 2002; takes into account 
the additions in individuals who will be in Medicare, takes into 
account an obvious raising, it takes into account inflation.
  What is going on with inflation right now in the private sector? 
Inflation in the private sector with respect to health care is about 
4.4 percent. In 1993 it was less than that. We have actually seen in 
the private sector health care costs have dramatically been reduced. 
Why is that? Because corporations, individuals, institutions have all 
said enough is enough; 13 to 14 percent compounded inflation is too 
much.
  I say to my colleagues, we can't tolerate it, we won't tolerate it, 
but what is the plan on the other side of the aisle? Now we are going 
to continue to inflate Medicare, we are going to continue to inflate 
Medicaid. We are not going to try to do anything to try and solve that.


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