[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 18036]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       THE MEDICARE OPT-OUT BILL

  (Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, at a time when Americans 
continue to see their health care options diminished by the President's 
disastrous health care law, it's critical that we work to return choice 
and freedom to the American people. That's why I introduced H.R. 3498, 
a commonsense bill that gives seniors the freedom to make their own 
health care decisions and opt out of Medicare.
  If folks like Warren Buffett or Ross Perot want to opt out of 
Medicare part A but they don't want or need a government entitlement 
paying for their care, we should let them. This bill truly tells 
seniors ``if you like your current coverage, you can keep it'' without 
the risk of losing other benefits like Social Security.
  Seniors want, need, and deserve the right to choose a health care 
plan that fits their needs. I urge my colleagues to join my efforts in 
returning freedom and choice to American seniors.

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