THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
~ Celebrating 25 Years of Advocacy for Older Americans ~

July 30, 2008

NEWS RELEASE

Celebrating Medicare’s Anniversary

National Seniors Advocate Urges the Next Congress and President to Turn Back Destructive Privatization Policies

“The Congressional Medicare veto override and vote to delay arbitrary program cuts show Congress has the courage to reconsider these destructive privatization provisions written by and for the drug and insurance industries. Our members hope that with a new Congress and President in the White House we'll be able to celebrate next year's anniversary and the end of Medicare privatization at the same time.” ...Barbara B. Kennelly, President/CEO

43 years ago, President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare legislation into law not only for the elderly but also for younger generations who care for them. Before Medicare, half of all seniors had no health insurance and nearly 35% lived in poverty. Today senior poverty has dropped by two-thirds and all Americans 65 and older can get health insurance through the Medicare program. Medicare works.  However, massive industry subsidies to private insurers, means-testing, higher premiums and the unchecked costs of healthcare threaten the program. 

“The privatization of Medicare, which was accelerated by the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act, has left seniors saddled with rising premiums, growing out of pocket costs and means testing at a time when they are already feeling the effects of an economic downturn.  We must reverse the privatization politics of the past in favor of real policy solutions providing healthcare reform nationwide and strengthening our one universal healthcare plan – Medicare.”

Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
www.ncpssm.org