Linda Sánchez Hails Success of Medicare on 45th Anniversary (July 1 2011)

Washington, DC –Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez released the following statement to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the implementation of Medicare.

"Medicare is one of the most effective programs our government has ever created, and creating Medicare is at the top of the Democratic Party's list of proud achievements," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "Before Medicare, life was tough for Americans over 65. Just over half had health care coverage and almost a third of seniors lived below the poverty line. Medicare has provided health care security for seniors and people with disabilities. Today is a great day to remember just how much Medicare means in protecting our seniors."

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare into law. The first Medicare enrollees entered the program on July 1, 1966. This past April, House Republicans passed a short-sighted and reckless budget that would end Medicare and replace it with a voucher system for seniors to buy private insurance on their own. This plan applies to all Americans now 55 years old and under, and the result of this budget would reduce benefits and raise costs for seniors.

"'We have many difficult decisions to make regarding the budget, but we can't break our promise to seniors" continued Congresswoman Sánchez. "The health and safety of our families should always come first. That's why I reject the House Republican plan to end Medicare, and that's why I will continue to fight to save Medicare for our seniors."