[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 28, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H5572-H5573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PROGRAMS

  (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

[[Page H5573]]

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the 
50th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Since 1965, 
these landmark programs have provided affordable health insurance 
coverage and access to care for our Nation's seniors and most 
vulnerable populations. Few programs have improved the lives of 
Americans as significantly as Medicaid and Medicare.
  Fifty years ago, almost half of elderly Americans lacked health 
insurance. Today, Medicare provides lifesaving insurance to nearly 100 
percent of adults over 65.
  Medicaid continues to be a lifeline for millions of children, 
pregnant women, people with disabilities, seniors, and low-income 
families. Over 70 million Americans currently rely on Medicaid for 
affordable health insurance. Medicaid covers more than one in three 
children, pays for nearly half of all births, and accounts for more 
than 40 percent of all long-term care.
  On the anniversary of this historic law, we celebrate the successes 
of Medicaid and Medicare. We must renew our commitment to further 
strengthening them so they remain available in perpetuity for 
generations to come.

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