[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




WAIVING THE MEDICARE PART B PENALTY FOR MILITARY RETIREES WHO ENROLL IN 
                            TRICARE FOR LIFE

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                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2001

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a bill to amend 
the portion of last year's Defense Authorization Act that extends 
health care benefits to military retirees.
  Congress made great strides toward fulfilling its promise of health 
care for life for all members of the military when it extended TRICARE 
benefits to retired members of the military and their families. 
However, the legislation required that beneficiaries have Medicare Part 
B.
  I have been contacted by several constituents who would like to take 
advantage of the new health benefits, but never enrolled in Medicare 
Part B. Current law states that if a person is not enrolled in Medicare 
Part B, their monthly premium is increased 10% for each year past the 
age of 65 that they have not been enrolled. For example, an 80-year-old 
individual enrolling in Medicare Part B for the first time would have a 
150% penalty. Their monthly premium would be $125. The base premium for 
Medicare Part B is $50.
  My bill waives the 10 percent penalty for enrolling in Medicare Part 
B. It also waives the Medicare Part B requirement for military retirees 
who are already enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
  Military retirees should not be penalized for not having Medicare 
Part B. In addition, retirees should not be forced to enroll in 
Medicare Part B if they are already enrolled in the Federal Employees 
Health Benefits Plan.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation.

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