    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8544--JULY 30, 2010

    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 ef-

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    fective preventative care services, like certain colorectal cancer
    screenings and mammograms, with no co-pays or deductibles. Through focus
    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.
    BARACK OBAMA