The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HEALTH CARE ASSURANCE FOR RETIRED EMPLOYEES ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H10530 on Sept. 18, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HEALTH CARE ASSURANCE FOR RETIRED EMPLOYEES ACT
(Mr. KLECZKA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of 750 retirees in my district who were betrayed by their employer, and on behalf of retirees across the country who are increasingly victimized by corporate irresponsibility.
Last month in Milwaukee, the Pabst Brewing Co. abruptly informed its retirees that it would no longer provide health and death benefits. Just like that. Years of hard work and dedication. Labor agreements. Promises. Out the window.
This is a disturbing trend. Last week I introduced the Health Care Assurance for Retired Employees Act, or the CARE Act. It would provide that companies give their retirees 6 months notice of any changes to their benefits. Further, the Labor Department would have to certify that the changes were in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Under the CARE Act, retirees aged 55 to 65 would have expanded access to health insurance under COBRA until they were eligible for Medicare. Medicare's late enrollment penalties would be waived, and a 6-month Medigap open enrollment period would be established.
I ask my colleagues to please join me in cosponsoring this bipartisan bill which will provide fair and workable safeguards for your retired constituents.
____________________
