[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NOTCH BABY HEALTH CARE RELIEF ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2003

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, today I am again introducing legislation 
to assist the over 6 million senior citizens who have been negatively 
impacted the Social Security Amendments of 1977. Seniors born between 
the years of 1917 and 1926--the Notch Babies--have received lower 
Social Security monthly payments that those seniors born shortly before 
or after this ten 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 than taken by my Notch 
Baby Act of 2001 or in any other Notch bill that has been introduced. 
This legislation is particularly noteworthy because it was suggested to 
me by one of my constituents--adjust Medicare Part B premiums for 
senior citizens born between the years 1917 and 1926, 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 portion 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 Heath 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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