[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 148 (Tuesday, August 3, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 46835-46836]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-19202]



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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 8544--45th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid
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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 148 / Tuesday, August 3, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 8544 of July 30, 2010

                
45th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare and 
                Medicaid into law on July 30, 1965, millions of 
                Americans and about half our Nation's seniors lacked 
                health care coverage, unable to afford basic health 
                care services or weather a medical emergency. The 
                signing of Medicare forged a promise with older 
                Americans--that those who have contributed a lifetime 
                to our national life and economy can enjoy their golden 
                years with peace of mind and the security of reliable 
                medical insurance. Medicaid created an essential 
                partnership between the Federal Government and the 
                States to provide a basic health care safety net for 
                some of the most vulnerable Americans: low-income 
                children, parents, seniors, and people with 
                disabilities. Forty-five years later, we must ensure 
                this inviolable trust between America and its citizens 
                remains stronger than ever.

                 Medicare and Medicaid support longer, healthier lives 
                and economic security for some of the neediest among 
                us. Since their expansion in 1972, Medicare and 
                Medicaid have covered millions of people with 
                disabilities, protecting individuals who otherwise 
                might not have access to affordable health coverage. 
                Today, Medicare provides over 47 million Americans with 
                dependable medical insurance, and is the largest health 
                care provider in our Nation. State Medicaid programs 
                provide health and long-term care coverage to more than 
                56 million low-income Americans. With too many 
                communities stricken by the economic crisis, Medicaid 
                provides a critical support for those struggling to 
                raise healthy families or cope with illness or injury. 
                No American should be one illness away from financial 
                ruin, and we must continue to keep Medicare and 
                Medicaid strong for the millions of beneficiaries who 
                rely on these vital safety nets.

                Medicare is not simply an entitlement program that 
                starts at age 65--it is earned over a lifetime. The 
                health care reforms in the landmark Affordable Care Act 
                (ACA) renew and strengthen our pledge to America's 
                seniors and families, ensuring Medicare and Medicaid 
                will be there when they need it. Guaranteed Medicare 
                benefits will not change, and participants will see 
                greater savings, improved quality, and increased 
                accountability in their health care coverage.

                 My Administration is taking steps to extend the life 
                of the Medicare trust fund and to slow the growth of 
                Medicare costs. The ACA helps accomplish this by 
                addressing overpayments to insurance companies that 
                operate Medicare Advantage plans; aggressively fighting 
                waste, fraud, and abuse; and better coordinating the 
                care of individuals with chronic conditions. The ACA 
                also helps seniors and people with disabilities in 
                Medicare who fall in the Part D coverage gap for 
                prescription drug costs, or the ``donut hole,'' and 
                Medicare beneficiaries who reach the donut hole this 
                year are receiving a $250 rebate. Additionally, 
                beneficiaries will see 50 percent discounts on brand 
                name drugs in the coverage gap starting next year, and 
                an end of the coverage gap altogether by 2020. To 
                encourage health maintenance, the ACA enables Medicare 
                to provide a free annual physical examination and other 
                effective preventative care services, like certain 
                colorectal cancer screenings and mammograms, with no 
                co-pays or deductibles. Through focus

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                on preventative care, increased efficiencies, and 
                better management, the ACA is modernizing the health 
                care system to make it work better for older Americans.

                As President, I will protect the promise of Medicare 
                and Medicaid, and make sure they continue to be strong 
                and solvent for our children and grandchildren. As we 
                celebrate the 45th anniversary of these critical 
                programs, we reflect on a moment when our Nation made 
                an enduring commitment to care for those who have given 
                the most to our society, and those living in poverty. 
                Let us continue protecting Medicare and Medicaid so 
                older Americans can age with dignity, and so all 
                Americans can live longer, healthier, and happier 
                lives.

                 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim July 30, 2010, as the 
                45th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. I call upon 
                all Americans to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies and activities that recognize the vital 
                safety net that Medicare and Medicaid provide for 
                millions of Americans.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of July, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-19202
Filed 8-2-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P