[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 148 (Thursday, October 8, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H6921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MEDICARE PREMIUM FAIRNESS ACT

  (Ms. TITUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, without congressional action, Medicare 
premiums and deductibles will increase in 2016 by 52 percent for an 
estimated 7.5 million American seniors and people with disabilities. 
Because these folks will not be receiving a Social Security cost of 
living adjustment for 2016, 30 percent of beneficiaries will not be 
held harmless, and their premiums will increase from $104 to $159 per 
month.
  To stop rates from increasing, I have introduced the Medicare Premium 
Fairness Act, which will protect seniors and people with disabilities 
by capping premiums at 2015 levels for a year. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.
  Seniors in our communities worked hard all their lives and saw our 
country through a war, Depression, and dramatic social change. At a 
time when every dollar counts, this critical legislation will ensure 
that seniors can put food on the table and buy lifesaving medication.
  So let's stand up for America's seniors.

                          ____________________