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119th CONGRESS
2d Session |
Recognizing the historic significance of Medicare on the 61st anniversary of its enactment.
Mr. Mackenzie (for himself, Mr. Vindman, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ms. De La Cruz, Ms. Titus, Mr. Davis of North Carolina, Ms. Tenney, and Mr. Lawler) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
Recognizing the historic significance of Medicare on the 61st anniversary of its enactment.
Whereas Medicare was signed into law on July 30, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson and has provided health insurance coverage to older Americans and individuals with disabilities for 61 years;
Whereas Medicare has played a critical role in improving health care affordability for older Americans and individuals with disabilities by reducing out-of-pocket costs and protecting beneficiaries from high medical expenses;
Whereas Medicare currently covers approximately 70,000,000 Americans, including 61,000,000 seniors aged 65 and older and 7,000,000 individuals under the age of 65 with long-term disabilities, representing roughly one in five Americans;
Whereas more than 10,000 Americans become newly eligible for Medicare each day upon reaching the age of 65;
Whereas Medicare enrollment has grown from approximately 19,000,000 beneficiaries in its first full year of operation in 1966 to more than 70,000,000 beneficiaries today, representing a more than 250 percent increase;
Whereas Medicare is projected to cover approximately 89,000,000 Americans within the next 30 years as the population ages;
Whereas Medicare Advantage has grown significantly in recent years, now covering approximately 54 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries, or 34,100,000 individuals, compared to 19 percent in 2007;
Whereas Medicare processes more than 3,300,000 claims per day, reflecting the program’s scale and operational scope;
Whereas millions of health care providers, caregivers, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services personnel work to sustain the Medicare program and its beneficiaries nationwide; and
Whereas ensuring the long-term sustainability and solvency of the Medicare program is essential to preserving access to health care for current beneficiaries while strengthening the program for future generations of Americans: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) commemorates the 61st anniversary of the enactment of the Medicare program and recognizes its historic role in providing health care security to older Americans and individuals with disabilities;
(2) acknowledges the contributions of Medicare in expanding access to health care, improving health outcomes, and strengthening the financial security of millions of American families; and
(3) honors the millions of health care providers, caregivers, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services personnel whose work sustains the Medicare program and its beneficiaries across the United States.