CHC CHAIR GONZALEZ STATEMENT ON 45th ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE

San Antonio, TX – Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX – 20) released the following statement today marking the 45th anniversary of the implementation of Medicare.

President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare into law on July 30, 1965, and it was enacted on July 1, 1966, when enrollees first entered the program.

“Creating Medicare has been one of our nation’s proudest achievements and today, we celebrate its delivered promise to 47 million seniors, children and people with disabilities.

“Medicare provides affordable and reliable health care coverage to 3.7 million Hispanics. But it is more than comprehensive health coverage—for many in the Hispanic community it is a lifeline and a foundational key to their health care security.

“On its 45th anniversary, I renew my commitment to preserve and protect Medicare for future generations, while Republicans continue their efforts to increase costs for seniors, cut benefits and end the program as we know it.”

In a recent national poll, 72 percent of Americans stated that Medicare was extremely or very important to their retirement security.

Key Facts:

• Before Medicare: In 1964, only 51 percent of Americans 65 and older had health care coverage.
• After Medicare: Today, virtually all Americans 65 and older have health care coverage.

• Before Medicare: In 1964, nearly 30 percent of seniors lived below the poverty line.
• After Medicare: Today, 7.5 percent of seniors live below the poverty line.

• Before Medicare: In 1964, life expectancy for Americans was 70.2 years old.
• After Medicare: Today, life expectancy for Americans is 78.2 years old.