[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THE NOTCH BABY HEALTH CARE RELIEF ACT INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, today I am again 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 year 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 this bill is different that taken in my Notch 
Baby Act of 1999 or in any other Notch bill that has been introduced in 
the previous Congress. This legislation is particularly noteworthy 
because it was suggested to me least year by one of my own 
constituents--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 widows or widowers. 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.

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