McGovern Joins House Democrats to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid

Statement

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) released the following statement on the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. At a ceremony celebrating the anniversary today, Congressman McGovern joined House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, House Democrats, and former Congressman John Dingell, who played a leading role in the push to establish Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

Numbers: Medicare and Medicaid play a big role in helping Massachusetts families in Congressman McGovern's district, which includes cities in Worcester, Hampshire, Franklin, Hamden and Norfolk Counties. In 2013 alone, Medicare helped 106,818 and Medicaid helped 165,526 in the district.

"For generations, American families have counted on Medicare and Medicaid for access to affordable, quality health care. Today, we are proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing these critical programs into law. Protecting access to affordable health care is a fundamental American value and Medicare and Medicaid have helped millions of Americans live with the economic security and dignity they deserve.

"When Medicare and Medicaid were created in 1965, they were built on the basic principles that access to health care is a right, not a privilege. No one should be forced into poverty because of health care costs. Medicare has helped to change the lives of millions of Americans for the better -- helping them to be independent and financially secure, including an estimated 55 million Americans who are receiving benefits today.

"Medicaid has been an especially important part of our country's social safety net, helping close to 70 million Americans today. For senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and children and young adults from working families, Medicaid is helping to transform their lives and ensure that they have access to quality, affordable health care.

"Unfortunately, House Republicans are more interested in attacking Medicare and Medicaid. Instead of supporting these critical programs, the Republican Budget would turn Medicare into a voucher program and put insurance companies ahead of seniors and low-income families. Even as we continue to see the benefits of these programs, 21 states continue to refuse to expand Medicaid, leaving millions of their residents without coverage.

"As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of these programs, it's time for us to come together and work in a bipartisan way to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid and protect affordable access to the highest quality care--not play political games with people's health and wellness. Putting families first should be our top priority in Congress and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that we keep Medicare and Medicaid strong so that Americans will continue to have access to quality, affordable health care for generations to come."

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