[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 158 (Thursday, October 12, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H9900-H9901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MORE HEALTH CARE CHOICES
(Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, the new majority plan to save Medicare
[[Page H 9901]]
includes new health care choices for seniors.
I heard something about unfairness over here a moment ago, but
currently this is unfair. Medicare recipients are limited to a one-
size-fits-all type of contract designed 30 years ago. It is time to
expand those options. Why? Because giving seniors the right to choose
from a variety of quality health care plans will create competition
among health care providers, it will drive down costs, and it will
allow seniors to pick a plan that meets their individual health care
needs.
My colleagues, our plan is about more choice, not less. More; we do
not force seniors to give up their current coverage. If a senior likes
the current system, he or she can stay in traditional fee-for-service
Medicare. No questions asked. But if a senior wants to try something
new, maybe a plan that covers prescription drugs and limits out-of-
pocket costs, there is one for him. We provide that option.
Mr. Speaker, more health care choices for seniors, not less. It is
that simple.
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