“On July 30, 1965, President Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law, providing a lifeline to millions of elderly Americans and low-income families who would otherwise not have been able to afford health care.

 

“Despite the great contributions of Medicare and Medicaid to improving Americans’ health, the skyrocketing costs of health care continue to be an enormous drag on our economy, with American families and businesses struggling to survive under the ever-increasing burden. That is why Democrats are committed to passing reform this year that lowers costs, prevents insurance companies from discriminating based on pre-existing conditions, expands patient choice of doctors and plans, and ensures that Americans have the security and peace-of-mind that they have access to affordable, high quality care.

 

“Given the health care challenges we face on this 44th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, it is imperative that we invest in the health and well-being of all Americans by passing health care reform this year.”