Kaptur Welcomes Report Showing Life of Medicare Extended Through 2029

Statement

Congresswoman Kaptur today welcomed on behalf of senior citizens the report by the trustees of Medicare and Social Security that recent health care legislation would extend the life of the Medicare trust fund through 2029, or 12 years longer than was estimated last year. They attributed that improved outlook to the cost savings that will be realized with implementation of the reforms in the health care bill.

Kaptur made the following statement about the trustees' annual report:

"The report by the trustees confirms that the health insurance reform passed by Congress will extend the life of Medicare for 12 years.

"We had been conservatively estimating that Medicare would be extended for another decade, so this report by comes as welcome news indeed for the millions and millions of Americans who depend on this vital program.

"The reform proposal makes Medicare stronger, makes Medicare more solvent, and makes Medicare an even better program for America's seniors than before.

"Social Security and Medicare are two of the most important programs in American history. For the past 45 years, Medicare has given seniors in America health care security that was previously lacking.

For 75 years, Social Security has provided income security so that seniors could lead independent lives and receive the benefits they have earned through years of hard work. We must protect them."

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