[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 18, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               EXPANSION OF HEALTH COVERAGE FOR AMERICANS

  (Ms. KILPATRICK asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, yesterday Democrats in the House joined 
President Clinton in announcing expansion of health coverage for 
Americans 55 to 65 years old. We, the Democratic Caucus, also 
introduced legislation that would say that these 55- to 65-year-old 
Americans who have in many cases been displaced and laid out and 
without health insurance may be able to buy into Medicare and in that 
sense have insurance for themselves and their families.
  The Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that this is a prudent 
targeted proposal that will not at all put Medicare at risk and will 
not be costly or increase cost to the Medicare program. Americans age 
55 to 65 need the coverage. Many have been displaced. Health care is 
essential for our families to be stable and for our children to be 
healthy.
  I am proud of our Democratic Caucus. We look forward to moving this 
legislation through the Congress and put at rest many fears that 
seniors who have worked for this country, have toiled for this country, 
and now need the support.

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