[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 18, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H10530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HEALTH CARE ASSURANCE FOR RETIRED EMPLOYEES ACT

  (Mr. KLECZKA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of 750 retirees in 
my district who were betrayed by their employer, and on behalf of 
retirees across the country who are increasingly victimized by 
corporate irresponsibility.
  Last month in Milwaukee, the Pabst Brewing Co. abruptly informed its 
retirees that it would no longer provide health and death benefits. 
Just like that. Years of hard work and dedication. Labor agreements. 
Promises. Out the window.
  This is a disturbing trend. Last week I introduced the Health Care 
Assurance for Retired Employees Act, or the CARE Act. It would provide 
that companies give their retirees 6 months notice of any changes to 
their benefits. Further, the Labor Department would have to certify 
that the changes were in accordance with the applicable collective 
bargaining agreements.
  Under the CARE Act, retirees aged 55 to 65 would have expanded access 
to health insurance under COBRA until they were eligible for Medicare. 
Medicare's late enrollment penalties would be waived, and a 6-month 
Medigap open enrollment period would be established.
  I ask my colleagues to please join me in cosponsoring this bipartisan 
bill which will provide fair and workable safeguards for your retired 
constituents.

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