service to this segment be handled through the social security system, under a trusteeship. These older persons would be privileged, upon election, to join the plan, to select the coverage of their choice, and to remit the corresponding cost of this premium to the trust fund, which in turn would remit the premiums to the agency giving the protection. The King bill, with these two modifications, would be, it seems to us, a simple, equitable, speedy, and economical answer to the health needs of America's aging, and, while it might not be the complete answer sought by many, it would be an answer that not only serves its purpose but also recognizes the principles and the economic verities that have made America great. May I again express my appreciation of the privilege of offering our recommendation in this crusade of service? The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Doctor, for bringing to us the views of the National Retired Teachers Association as well as the American Association of Retired Persons. Are there any questions of Dr. Andrus? Mr. King? Mr. KING. Mr. Chairman, I merely want the record to show, Mrs. Andrus, that we have worked for many years trying to perfect the social security program to meet the wishes of your group. I might say, Mr. Chairman, a distinguished member of our committee, Mr. Byrnes, who is not present today, has always insisted on many occasions in our executive sessions that the bills I have introduced providing for your group should be adopted. We have just not been able to manage it, Mrs. Andrus, as we have not been able to manage many other things. We have tried. I am pleased to see you are still as enterprising and active as you have always been. Thank you for your statement. Mr. ALGER. Mr. Chairman. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Alger. Mr. ALGER. Dr. Andrus, you mentioned you want freedom of choice for the individuals to elect the benefits they want or not. How about freedom of choice to the taxpayers while they are having to provide their own health care during their working years? Would you extend them the right to either accept this program or not, as to whether they pay taxes since it is compulsory to them, and you do not like the compulsory feature? Dr. ANDRUS. I would say that the same theory should hold that holds with your treatment of the civil service and congressional members upon retirement, that there should be a chance of election. Mr. ALGER. Thank you. I share your view, and I appreciate your feeling that way. The CHAIRMAN. Again we thank you, Dr. Andrus. |