DeLauro Wishes Medicare and Medicaid A Very Happy 48th Birthday
"Turning Point in America's History" For Seniors,Children, Women, Disabled
WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) releasedthe following statement today wishing Medicare and Medicaid a very happy 48thbirthday. President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the landmark health careprograms into law on July 30, 1965. DeLauro is a longtime supporter of ensuringthat every American has access to affordable, quality, comprehensive healthcare.
"Medicare and Medicaid marked a turning point in America'shistory. Along with Social Security, they form the bedrock foundations of ourAmerican social insurance system. With their passage, no longer would the pooror elderly have to go without basic health care. This has paid dividends fordecades, in the form of a healthier, more productive nation.
"Yet, Medicare and Medicaid are still under attack. Beforethese programs became law, people all too often found themselves destitute andunable to take care of their health problems. We cannot slash benefits todayand force millions of Americans back into that situation."
Before Medicare became law, only half of Americans over theage of 65 had health coverage; now virtually all do. The average lifeexpectancy of Americans has risen by eight full years. One out of sixConnecticut residents receives health insurance through Medicare, nine out often of whom are 65 or older.
Millions of Medicaid beneficiaries—including the 586,713 inConnecticut—use their coverage for vital needs like long-term care, disabilityservices and mental health care.
DeLauro is the senior Democrat on the subcommitteeresponsible for funding the Health and Human Services Department, among otheragencies. She is a leading voice in Congress for ensuring Medicare and Medicaidmeet the health needs of seniors and those struggling to get by.