WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today released the following statement on the 47th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid:
“Today we proudly celebrate the anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the security these two programs have ensured for millions of American families. Forty seven years ago, this nation pursued a bold mission to provide the most vulnerable people in our communities with an affordable path to health insurance that would help extend their lives and promote economic prosperity. Before Medicare was enacted, more than half of all seniors did not have health insurance coverage. Given the price of medical care, and the many health related issues people encounter as they age, this road would have ended disastrously. The creation of Medicare and Medicaid has shielded generations from catastrophic medical bills and provided security for vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens when they become sick.
“As we reflect on the success of Medicare and Medicaid, we are constantly reminded that there are forces threatening to cripple these critical programs that sustain so many Americans. This year, the House Republicans approved a Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2013 that calls for significant reductions to Medicaid funding and place at risk access to healthcare for 47 million Medicare beneficiaries. In North Carolina’s First Congressional District alone, 14,000 children rely on Medicaid and 121,000 seniors are eligible for Medicare. The so-called ‘Ryan Budget’ is an unacceptable proposal that would undermine the future of Medicare and Medicaid while drastically burdening seniors and low-income families with higher healthcare costs. Ryan’s budget proposal would place families’ health at the mercy of health insurance companies that are focused on profits and not individuals’ health. I challenge my colleagues to work together to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid so millions of American households continue to have access to lifesaving healthcare.”