WASHINGTON -- Senator William V. Roth, Jr. (R-DE), today issued the following statement regarding the introduction by Senators Moynihan and Daschle of legislation based on President Clinton's Medicare buy-in proposal:

"The Medicare Early Access Act of 1998 seeks to address a serious health problem. Many Americans between the ages of 55 and 65 have difficulty obtaining health insurance coverage. Senators Moynihan and Daschle and the President should be commended for working toward a solution on a difficult problem."

"In the Finance Committee, we have recognized the problems of the this group in obtaining health insurance. The 1997 balanced budget formed the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare, an idea originally introduced into legislation by Senator Moynihan and myself. This Medicare Commission has been charged with examining the feasibility of an early buy-in option for the uninsured."

"Senator John Breaux, who is chairman of the Medicare Commission, has said it would be premature to act on a Medicare buy-in plan before allowing the Commission to study the full implications of such a proposal, and I agree.

"We should let the Medicare Commission make their recommendations with a minimum of interference. The Commission report -- due just one year from now -- will be invaluable in crafting a proposal that will truly benefit uninsured American workers, without harming the underlying program."