[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE NOTCH BABY HEALTH CARE RELIEF ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to 
assist the over 6 million senior citizens who have been negatively 
impacted by the Social Security Amendments of 1977. Seniors born 
between the years 1917 and 1921--the ``Notch Babies''--have received 
lower Social Security monthly payments than those seniors born shortly 
before or after this five period. My legislation, the Notch Baby Health 
Care Relief Act, will offset the reduction in Social Security benefits 
by providing a tax credit for Medicare Part B premiums.
  The approach taken in my new bill is different than that taken in my 
Notch Baby Act of 1977 (H.R. 146) or in any other Notch bill introduced 
in this Congress. In fact, the approach taken in this legislation was 
suggested to me by one of my own constitutents--adjust Medicare 
insurance payments for Notch Babies. Specifically, my new bill provides 
a refundable tax credit for monthly Medicare Part B premiums for senior 
citizens born between the years 1917 and 1921, their spouses and their 
windows or windowers. The bill also eliminates the Medicare Part B 
premium late enrollment penalty for these individuals.
  As health care expenses can take up a large proportion of a senior's 
retirement income, this tax credit can go a long way to both correct 
the inequity caused by the Notch and to help seniors meet their health 
care needs. I urge my colleagues to review the Notch Baby Health Care 
Relief Act, to discuss this legislation with the seniors in their 
districts, and to join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.

                          ____________________