[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[House]
[Page 21221]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM DAILY MYTH BUSTER: IMPACT ON SENIORS

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, we have nothing but myths and scare tactics 
to our seniors about health care.
  What is one of the myths? Under the health care reform, a government 
panel, a bureau, will tell you when you can die. Nothing can be further 
from the truth. It will be up to your doctor and your family. It simply 
provides reimbursement for Medicare for doing this.
  Another myth: health care reform will lead to rationed care. No such 
thing. We have it now. As a matter of fact, nothing will stand between 
you and your doctor to make the best decision. Reform actually takes 
insurance company bureaucrats out of this decision and let's you make 
it.
  What about the myth about health care reform is a government 
takeover? Just another lie. Under the bill, there is no government 
takeover of health care. Every American will still be able to choose 
their doctor and their health insurance plan and make decisions that 
they want.
  The fourth out of these five myths: health care will reform and end 
Medicare. Untrue. As a matter of fact, it will strengthen Medicare and 
it will lower prescription drug benefits--take that doughnut out of 
Medicare.
  And, finally: We can't afford to fix health care during an economic 
downturn. We can't afford not to fix it.

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