[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          EXPANDING FEHBP TO COVER MEDICARE-ELIGIBLE RETIREES

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                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 1997

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, because the need for expanded health care 
for military retirees is so important, I am reintroducing my bill to 
permit Medicare-eligible retired members of the Armed Forces and their 
Medicare-eligible dependents to enroll in the Federal Employees Health 
Benefits Program [FEHBP].
  We made a commitment to those who chose to serve in defense of our 
country. Military retirees were promised health care for life. However, 
there is a catch-22 situation for Medicare-eligible retired military 
because once they either turn age 65 or qualify for disability 
treatment, they lose their CHAMPUS benefits. Unfortunately, they are 
placed last on the priority for treatment at military treatment 
facilities, and they are prevented from participating in the new 
TRICARE Program.
  This bill is identical to H.R. 3368, which I introduced in the last 
Congress. I plan to press for passage of this legislation because I 
believe we must fulfill our commitment to our Nation's military 
retirees and veterans.

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