[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MEDICARE RIGHTS CENTER FOR 25 YEARS OF QUALITY 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago, the Medicare Rights Center 
was created. Since then, seniors, people with disabilities, their 
friends and family members, and policymakers have benefitted from the 
Center's expertise.
  Since its founding in 1989, the Medicare Rights Center has provided 
critical advice to individuals who want to find out about Medicare's 
benefits, learn about enrollment and eligibility, and get help in 
resolving any problems that they may face. My constituents--and 
constituents around the country--have called the Medicare Rights 
Center's hotline and received help--whether from the Center's excellent 
staff or from one of its many well-trained volunteer counselors.
  The Medicare Rights Centers' newsletters--``Dear Marci,'' ``Medicare 
Watch,'' and ``Inside Medicare Rights''--are invaluable. ``Dear Marci'' 
is a great tool for individuals who want clear and user-friendly 
information about how they can get the most from their Medicare 
benefits, avoid problems, get help and voice their views. Other 
publications and special reports provide those of us in Congress with 
critical information about the specifics of the law and its 
implementation. Because the Medicare Rights Center sees the actual, on-
the-ground impacts of Medicare policies, they help us determine the 
actual effects of current policies and identify specific improvements 
that can be made.
  Medicare Rights Center president Joe Baker and federal policy adviser 
Stacy Sanders are frequently found on Capitol Hill, testifying and 
responding to information requests from Congressional offices. The 
Seniors Task Force, which I co-chair, has been privileged to have 
Medicare Rights Center representatives join us to brief members and 
staff about Medicare trends, policies and impacts.
  I want to congratulate and thank Diane Archer, the founder of the 
Medicare Rights Center, and all the past and current staff, volunteers 
and board members for the work that you have done to provide quality, 
affordable care for seniors, people with disabilities and all 
Americans.
  Congratulations on your first 25 years of service to America, and I 
wish you many more productive years in the future.

                          ____________________