Medicare and Medicaid 50th Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, in 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed two important programs into law: Medicare and Medicaid.

These two critical programs provide Americans much needed access to healthcare.

They were created out of the truth that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and no one should fall into poverty due to a lack of healthcare or treatment.

Over the last 50 years, Medicare has helped millions of American families maintain independence and security.

Medicaid provides a health care safety net for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and children and young adults from working families.

For example, in 2013, in my district, Ohio's third congressional district, 85,313 of the residents received Medicare and 173,991 of the residents received Medicaid.

That is why I applaud Governor Kasich for his decision to expand Medicaid in Ohio.

Our path forward should build upon President Johnson's vision by strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, improving essential benefits, and containing costs.

By closing the prescription drug ``doughnut hole'' and curtailing waste and fraud, the Affordable Care Act lowers costs to beneficiaries and improves benefits.

There are definitely ways to improve Medicare and Medicaid programs, and cut waste, fraud, and abuse.
But, these changes should not be on the backs of our seniors and most vulnerable citizens.

We must work in a bipartisan way to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid and ensure enhanced access to affordable, quality healthcare.

Fifty years later, Medicare and Medicaid continue to save lives, help Americans live healthier, and provide the peace of mind that comes with access to healthcare and treatment.

I will continue to support and improve these two critical programs that are an integral part of our social safety net.

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