[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF THE MILITARY RETIREE HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT 1998

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                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing along with my 
colleague from Washington State, Mr. Dicks the ``Military Retiree 
Health Fairness Act of 1998''. This bipartisan bill is an important 
step in keeping our promises to military retirees. Specifically, this 
legislation will make sure that all military retirees have the 
opportunity to participate in Tricare Senior Prime, by waiving 
penalties for late enrollment in Medicare Part B. Without such relief 
those most dependant on the military medical system may well see their 
access reduced.
  Medicare Subvention will allow military retirees to receive the 
health care they were promised by having Medicare reimburse DOD for 
care provided to Medicare eligible beneficiaries at DOD facilities. 
Retirees will be able to continue using the same physicians they have 
always relied and depended upon. Current law mandates that retirees who 
had counted on using the military health care system and did not enroll 
in Medicare Part B will be denied the opportunity to participate. 
Without change, these individuals would have reduced access to DOD 
health services due to Tricare Senior Prime participants increased use 
of the system.
  The ``Military Retiree Health Fairness Act of 1998'' makes sure all 
military retirees have the opportunity to participate in Tricare Senior 
Prime. The ``Military Retiree Health Fairness Act of 1998'' waives the 
penalties for those who do not have Medicare Part B, but would like to 
participate in Tricare Senior Prime. We can not allow our military 
retirees to be neglected. I urge my colleagues to join me and cosponsor 
this worthy legislation.

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