Today is the 45th birthday of Medicare, and Alliance members are holding dozens of events from New Hampshire to Arizona commemorating the occasion! From cake in Indianapolis to lobbying visits in Missouri, the events used a wide array of treats and techniques to drive home the point that Medicare has literally been a lifesaver for millions of seniors.
Alliance President Barbara Easterling said, “This year is an especially happy birthday for Medicare because the new health reform law makes it easier for seniors to afford to see a doctor, fill a prescription, and receive free preventive screenings and tests for serious diseases.” To read her entire column on Huffington Post, click here.
A new ad featuring Andy Griffith describes important improvements to Medicare made by the Affordable Care Act in advance of Medicare Open Enrollment. Watch here.
The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, a coalition of 64 non-profits - including the Alliance - advocating for seniors, sent a statement commemorating Medicare’s birthday to the entire U.S. House of Representatives. The statement declares that in 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were established, “vastly improving the quality of life for older adults. Before these programs were enacted, one-half of America’s seniors were uninsured. The health care coverage provided by Medicare and Medicaid has meant better health, longer lives, and less financial strain for older people.” And in 2010, “Medicare is the largest source of health coverage in the nation, covering 47 million older adults and people with disabilities.”
Download LCAO Medicare Medicaid Anniversary Statement (July 30, 2010)
The benefit of free preventative screening is a particularly welcome change that will have the potential impact of increasing older adults quality of life, but just as important, can ultimately lower the cost of treatment.
Early diagnosis has been proven to increase life expectancy and lower health care costs. Happy Birthday Medicare!
Posted by: David Forbes | 08/06/2010 at 07:43 PM