[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 161 (Wednesday, October 18, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H10210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SAVE MEDICARE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

  (Mr. JONES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, through the years, the cost to seniors has 
increased as the costs of the program has increased--but the Medicare 
benefit package still reflects 1965-style medicine. And seniors simply 
are not getting the options that other Americans are receiving. Seniors 
are now spending, on average, 21 percent of their annual income on 
health care-related expenses.
  Our Medicare plan provides health security for today's and tomorrow's 
seniors. Medicare Plus will allow seniors to choose from several plans. 
Basically, seniors can stay in the traditional fee-for-service 
Medicare, or they can exercise the right to choose a plan that better 
serves their needs--everything from eyeglasses to dental care.
  Each plan must offer as good a benefit package as Medicare currently 
offers. The proposal attacks waste and fraud through an incentive 
program for seniors. This plan is necessary.
  We must do something to equate the system for seniors while ensuring 
its stability for future generations.

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