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50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid Programs

Floor Speech

Date: July 28, 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Senior Citizens Unemployed and Low-Income Entitlements and the Safety Net Health Insurance

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Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the 50th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Since 1965, these landmark programs have provided affordable health insurance coverage and access to care for our Nation's seniors and most vulnerable populations. Few programs have improved the lives of Americans as significantly as Medicaid and Medicare.

Fifty years ago, almost half of elderly Americans lacked health insurance. Today, Medicare provides lifesaving insurance to nearly 100 percent of adults over 65.

Medicaid continues to be a lifeline for millions of children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, seniors, and low-income families. Over 70 million Americans currently rely on Medicaid for affordable health insurance. Medicaid covers more than one in three children, pays for nearly half of all births, and accounts for more than 40 percent of all long-term care.

On the anniversary of this historic law, we celebrate the successes of Medicaid and Medicare. We must renew our commitment to further strengthening them so they remain available in perpetuity for generations to come.

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