[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE AND FOOD STAMPS 
                           TO THE UNEMPLOYED

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                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation to 
provide health care insurance and food stamp benefits to the 
unemployed.
  There are 8.4 million unemployed Americans. These Americans live week 
to week by depleting their savings and relying on meager unemployment 
compensation payments. They live in fear of emergencies that could send 
themselves, or one of their children, to a hospital. In this desperate 
situation, how can a family pay for health insurance, which costs an 
average of $4,358 per year?
  To help these people through a difficult period in their life, I am 
introducing legislation to provide health care and food stamp benefits 
to the unemployed.
  Most people who receive unemployment compensation cannot obtain food 
stamps. The food stamp program treats unemployment compensation as 
``income'' even though the unemployed are not really earning income. To 
prevent the wealthy from abusing this benefit, the bill retains the 
food stamp asset test. The asset test prevents people with large 
savings, stocks, etc. from receiving food stamps. To receive food 
stamps an eligible household's liquid assets may not exceed $2,000. 
This asset test excludes the value of a residence, business assets, 
household belongings, and certain other resources.
  The bill provides a subsidy to cover laid-off workers' COBRA 
premiums. The COBRA program will allow individuals to continue to use 
the insurance plans they know and trust. For unemployed workers who do 
not qualify for COBRA, the bill includes language to provide Medicaid 
coverage for the uninsured and their spouses and dependents.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation and provide a 
helping hand to unemployed workers.

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