William Roth

Mr. ROTH

Mr. ROTH. In response to Senator Frist's question, it is the committee's intent that the Medicare Payment Review Commission shall have broad authority to study and make recommendations to Congress on a variety of issues relating to the Medicare Choice program and the Medicare fee-for-service program. The committee recognizes that the previous two advisory committees did not have explicit authority to study issues relating to reimbursement of durable medical equipment and medical supplies. However, it is the committee's intent that the Medicare Payment Review Commission will have broad authority in these and other areas regarding the review of all Medicare reimbursement issues. dsh payments

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask the distinguished Senator to withhold. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Rick Werner, a detailee to the Finance Committee from the Department of Health and Human Services be granted the privilege of the floor for the duration of the debate on S. 947, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

Mr. ROTH. I would say we did seek to work with the distinguished Senator from Rhode Island. No agreement was reached. Undoubtedly there is opposition to this proposal so we will have to deal with that in the morning.

Mr. ROTH. Point of order. Is time limited?

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I think that the last vote overwhelmingly decided this issue. Income-related premiums are fair. I just point out that by delaying it 2 years, we would lose something like $1.3 billion in a program that is already in difficulty. These funds are necessary and they are needed. Mr. President, if a means test is fair in 2 years, then it is fair today. I see no reason for the delay. Let me remind my colleagues that the premium increase is very modest, given the part B benefits. I urge my colleagues not to waive the point of order.

Mr. ROTH. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. Motion to Waive the Budget Act--Amendment No. 440, Division II

Mr. ROTH. I make a motion to table. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROTH. All right.

Mr. ROTH. I yield the remainder of my time to the distinguished chairman of the Budget Committee.

Mr. ROTH. I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished Senator from New York.

Mr. ROTH. I yield 3 minutes to the Senator from New Hampshire.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I yield 5 minutes to the Senator from Nebraska.

Mr. ROTH. I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished Senator from Rhode Island.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished Senator from Louisiana.

Mr. ROTH. I yield 1 additional minute.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I yield 5 minutes to Senator Gramm.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I make a point of order a quorum is not present.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I urge its adoption.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, as I was saying, regarding the income- related premium, the amendment would reduce the Federal subsidy of part B premiums for some seniors. Today, the Federal Government pays 75 percent of the cost of the part B program and Medicare beneficiaries pay just 25 percent. The Federal Government funds part B, which is a voluntary program, and pays for such things as doctors' bills out of general tax revenues which are raised from all taxpayers, rich, poor, and middle income. This amendment would require those single seniors with incomes of $50,000, to pay a bit more for part B; single seniors with incomes over $100,000 paying all of their share of part B costs. The corresponding income range for couples would be $75,000 to $125,000. But, even under this proposed increase, the cost of participation in part B will remain relatively modest. Next year, it would cost a senior with an income of $100,000, paying his or her entire share of part B costs, an additional $1,620. The savings from this amendment would go into part A trust fund, helping to ensure its continuing solvency. In addition, the amendment would provide premium assistance for more low-income seniors. Today, for poorest seniors, those individuals with incomes below 120 percent of poverty, part B premiums are paid by Medicaid. The amendment would give States additional funds to help seniors with incomes between 120 and 150 percent of poverty. This amendment meets the terms of the budget agreement which provided for $1.5 billion in additional premium assistance for low-income beneficiaries over the next 5 years. In short, this amendment helps protect the most vulnerable seniors and keeps our word with the President. Mr. President, I ask this amendment be adopted and considered original text for purposes of amendments.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, this amendment does two important things. First, it would raise part B premiums for seniors who could afford to pay more. Second, the amendment would provide new part B premium assistance for low-income beneficiaries. Regarding the income-related premium, the amendment would reduce the Federal subsidy of part B premiums--

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk on behalf of Senator Moynihan and myself.

Mr. ROTH. I yield back to the distinguished chairman of the Budget Committee.

Mr. ROTH. That is fine.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I yield 5 minutes off the bill to the distinguished Senator from New York.