Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Congress approaches its self-imposed December 13th deadline to reach an agreement on a federal budget plan, U.S. Representative Scott Perry (PA-4) joined Representative Sam Johnson (R-TX) to introduce common-sense legislation, H.R. 3498, to help reduce federal spending and give seniors more freedom to make their own healthcare decisions.

            H.R. 3498 will allow seniors to voluntarily opt-out of Medicare coverage and empower them to provide for their own healthcare services if they choose.  H.R. 3498 could reduce federal spending by an estimated $11 billion over the next decade. Congress must work together to make the tough and reasonable decisions to address America's $17 trillion debt crisis and Congressman Perry hopes the enactment of H.R. 3498 will help spur other efforts to control our spending and lay the groundwork for a healthy economy.

            Today, you can choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B or Part D, but not for Part A - unless you give up your Social Security benefits as well.  This legislation ensures your Social Security benefits remain intact. Along with allowing individuals to voluntarily opt-out of Medicare Part A when they become eligible for the benefit, this legislation also makes seniors eligible to invest funds in tax-free Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). 

           “Americans should have the right to choose a healthcare plan that fits their needs, rather than be tied to a government-run system that doesn't meet their unique medical requirements,” said Rep. Perry. “American seniors should have the choice to decide what plan works best for their family.  Medicare also desperately needs to be reformed in order to ensure this program is viable for current and future generations.  This bill takes off some of the budgetary pressure from Medicare to help ensure its long-term sustainability for all seniors.”

           “As folks continue to see their healthcare options diminished by ObamaCare, it's critical to find ways that allow a return to choice and freedom in health care.  This common-sense bill does just that, it truly tells seniors, ”Öif you like your current coverage, you can keep it' without risk of losing other important benefits like Social Security.  If folks like Warren Buffett or Ross Perot want to opt-out of Medicare Part A because they don't want or need a government entitlement paying for their health care, we should  let them!  Seniors should have the freedom to say ”Öthanks, but no thanks' if they want to keep their current coverage,” said Rep. Johnson.

            Those who want to keep their current Medicare coverage will not be affected.  Additionally, H.R. 3498 will allow seniors with an HSA and qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to continue contributing to their HSA with pre-tax dollars after they turn 65.  Under current law, seniors who have an HSA and turn 65 are no longer eligible to contribute pre-tax dollars to their HSA.

           “I'll continue to work with anyone, regardless of party affiliation or ideology, to solve these critical issues,” said Rep. Perry. “America's problems are not going away, and we can't just wait for another Congress or another generation to deal with them.