[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H9650-H9651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRESS NEEDS MORE HEARINGS ON MEDICARE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Barcia] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, the debate on Medicare has spiraled out of 
control. To cut $270 billion from this senior program, without proper 
debate and substantial information, will only hurt the future of the 
program.
  Medicare is one of most critical issues that Congress will consider 
this year. It only makes sense to hold hearings, and discuss changes 
with not only Members but also with seniors who will be greatly 
impacted by these changes. It is unthinkable that senior's access to 
health care will be reduced or eliminated without allowing them a 
chance to voice their opinions.
  I continue to hear from hundreds of seniors in my district, urging me 
to protect their benefits. They are worried their small monthly incomes 
will not allow them to pay higher fees for Medicare. I have even heard 
from older Americans who are not yet eligible for Medicare. They are 
telling me that health care must be changed in this country but that 
the budget must not be balanced on the backs of the elderly. If we 
increase the monthly premiums of Medicare, then we must also be 
prepared to address the issue of seniors who cannot pay these premiums 
and how elderly Americans will have access to health care. I am afraid 
too many will have to go without.
  I have also heard from hospitals in my district, many of them in 
rural areas. Most of the revenue for these hospitals comes from 
Medicare patients. These hospitals are already struggling with soaring 
costs and to lose them would be devastating to the rural communities in 
my State. If Medicare reimbursements are cut even further they will 
have no other choice but to simply go out of business.
  I feel Congress must make efforts to save Medicare by strengthening 
and improving the system, not destroying it. For many seniors, Medicare 
has not only improved the quality of their lives, but for many it has 
extended their life. With 99 percent of Americans over 65 currently 
having access to health care, Congress must not forget 

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the extraordinary success and impact this program has had on our 
country.
  Any changes that are made hastily will be devastating to the program 
and to the seniors that depend on Medicare. Although this program is in 
need of reform, it must not be done without debate and discussion and 
it must not be done by taking away health care from seniors who depend 
on it for their survival.

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