[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PRESCRIBING ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT METHODS UNDER THE TRICARE PROGRAM

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                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2001

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a bill that 
would allow retired members of the military to pay their TRICARE 
enrollment fees on a monthly basis.
  Currently, TRICARE enrollees must pay their annual enrollment fees 
all at once or on a quarterly basis. Enrollment fees are $230/year for 
individual enrollment, and $460/year for family enrollment.
  My bill establishes alternative payment mechanisms to provide for 
payment of such fees through: a deduction from military retired or 
retainer pay; a deduction from monthly Social Security benefits; and an 
electronic funds transfer from a checking or savings account.
  Last year we passed legislation that enables the Department of 
Defense to provide TRICARE benefits to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. 
As we honor our military retirees with access to a wonderful health 
care program, we should remember that many retirees are living on a 
fixed income. A one-time enrollment payment can severely limit their 
resources. My bill is designed to help individuals with a limited 
income spread out the payment of the yearly enrollment fee over 12 
months.
  I urge all members to cosponsor this legislation.

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