[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 148 (Monday, August 3, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 46175-46176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19180]



[[Page 46173]]

Vol. 80

Monday,

No. 148

August 3, 2015

Part III





The President





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Proclamation 9305--50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid



Executive Order 13702--Creating a National Strategic Computing 
Initiative
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  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 148 / Monday, August 3, 2015 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 9305 of July 29, 2015

                
50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed 
                Medicare and Medicaid into law. Fifty years later, 
                these programs have been woven into the fabric of our 
                society--cornerstones of the fundamental belief that in 
                America, health care is a right and not a privilege. 
                Today, Medicare and Medicaid help tens of millions of 
                Americans live longer, healthier lives and achieve 
                economic security. Together, they have helped protect 
                the quintessential American promise that opportunity, 
                prosperity, and economic mobility are within reach for 
                everyone who works hard and plays by the rules. On this 
                anniversary, we pause to celebrate these landmark 
                achievements and reflect on the ways they have improved 
                our Nation.

                As we commemorate two of America's greatest triumphs, 
                we must not forget that the security they provide was 
                not always guaranteed, nor was their progress 
                inevitable or their success preordained. Before 
                Medicare and Medicaid, only about half of all seniors 
                had some form of insurance, and too many of our most 
                vulnerable citizens--including children and people with 
                disabilities--did not have access to quality, 
                affordable care.

                As a Nation, we chose to end that era. With hard work 
                and determination, we fought to secure the health and 
                peace of mind of millions of our people who previously 
                lacked a basic measure of security. Medicare and 
                Medicaid did not just make our country better; they 
                reaffirmed its greatness and established a legacy that 
                we must carry forward today. We must recognize that 
                this work, though begun a half-century ago and 
                continued over the decades that have followed, is not 
                yet complete. For too many, quality, affordable health 
                care is still out of reach--and we must recommit to 
                finishing this important task.

                We have made important strides in this fight, and 
                today, health care is more affordable and accessible 
                than ever before thanks to the Affordable Care Act. 
                Because of this law, more than 16 million uninsured 
                Americans have gained the security of health insurance, 
                including through its expansion of Medicaid. Nearly 40 
                million people on Medicare have taken advantage of free 
                preventive health services, and the law has saved over 
                9 million seniors on Medicare more than $15 billion in 
                prescription drug costs. It has expanded the options 
                for home and community-based services offered by 
                Medicaid. And since I signed this law, we have extended 
                the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by 13 years.

                Since the Affordable Care Act became law, health care 
                prices have risen at the lowest rate since Medicare and 
                Medicaid were established, and as President, I am 
                dedicated to building on this progress to ensure these 
                programs are protected and strengthened. Earlier this 
                year, I was proud to sign bipartisan legislation to 
                permanently fix the Medicare physician payment system--
                creating a cost-effective way to compensate doctors 
                based on how well they help their patients get and stay 
                healthy. I am fighting to further extend the solvency 
                of the Hospital Insurance trust fund, align payments 
                more closely with the value of care, and build on the 
                Affordable Care Act by closing the Medicare Part D 
                donut hole for brand drugs by 2017. I am committed to 
                reducing rapidly rising prescription drug costs in both

[[Page 46176]]

                Medicare and Medicaid. And every day, I am working to 
                convince more Governors and State legislatures to take 
                advantage of the Federal Government's financial support 
                to expand Medicaid and cover the millions of additional 
                Americans who would be eligible for quality, affordable 
                health insurance.

                Five decades ago, the United States recognized our 
                obligation to care for our fellow Americans. Today, we 
                must ensure this promise is protected for our parents, 
                children, and grandchildren. On the 50th anniversary of 
                Medicare and Medicaid, let us not be content with the 
                progress we have made. Instead, let us summon the 
                resolve of the generations that came before us and 
                recommit to advancing this noble cause. Five decades 
                from now, when people look back on this time, let it be 
                said that our generation put its shoulder to the wheel 
                and carried forward the work of making affordable 
                health care a reality for all Americans.

                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, 2015, as the 
                50th 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 
                twenty-ninth day of July, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2015-19180
Filed 7-31-15; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5