AARP: Medicare Anniversary Highlights Need For National Health Care Reform Next Year

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Article Date: 31 Jul 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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AARP issued a statement commemorating the 43rd anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. The statement, from AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond, follows:

"The passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 was an important event in America's history. Congress and the Administration worked together to solve a national crisis by providing health care to the most vulnerable among us.

"A generation later, our country is in the midst of a new health care crisis. Skyrocketing costs are pushing access to quality health care further out of reach for families, employers, states and the federal government. Today's health care crisis threatens to make us all vulnerable.

"One of nation's top priorities must be ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable health care. With businesses and individuals taking greater responsibility for themselves, this anniversary is a reminder of the unique and tremendous role of our elected officials.

"This fall, the American people will have the chance to hear from elected officials and candidates about their solutions to control health care costs. The next Congress and Administration will need to overcome gridlock to enact meaningful reform.

"We are looking back today, but only to help us look ahead. Remembering the legacy of 1965 reminds us how important these issues are in 2008. And you better believe we'll be watching in 2009."

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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