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THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
~ Protecting the Health and Economic Future of Older Americans ~
July 29, 2010
NEWS RELEASE
"In spite of partisan attacks and private-market attempts at undermining or even eliminating the Medicare program, the achievement realized through the vision and determination of Presidents Truman, Kennedy , and Johnson remains as relevant today as in 1965. Medicare is an achievement that is neither liberal nor conservative, just very, very American." Barbara B Kennelly, President and CEO
National Seniors' Advocate Marks
45th Anniversary of Medicare
The President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, former Congresswoman Barbara B. Kennelly, issued the following statement to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Medicare program:
"On July 30, 1965, just prior to signing the Medicare bill into law, President Lyndon Johnson said: 'Many men can make many proposals. Many men can draft many laws. But few have the piercing and humane eye which can see beyond the words to the people that they touch.' He was referring to President Harry Truman whose earlier vision of a national health insurance program, also shared by President John Kennedy, lead to the creation of Medicare. Forty-five years later, the Medicare program has successfully touched millions of lives, not only through insuring the elderly for medical care but also by providing desperately needed coverage for Americans under age 65 who suffer from certain disabilities or chronic diseases.
Today, Medicare covers nearly 42 million people. It faces some significant challenges yet it remains the one universal and affordable health care system in the country. As a result of the 2010 health care reform, Medicare's solvency was doubled and seniors began receiving additional help with their prescription drug costs and preventative health care services. More work is needed to control costs and improve coverage to ensure that Medicare continues to protect older Americans. Yet, in spite of partisan attacks and private-market attempts at undermining or even eliminating the Medicare program, the achievement realized through the vision and determination of Presidents Truman, Kennedy and Johnson remains as relevant today as in 1965. Medicare is an achievement that is neither liberal nor conservative -- just very, very American. Happy Birthday, Medicare."
Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
www.ncpssm.org
The National Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the board of directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.