Ronald Reagan actually said...

"This landmark legislation would provide protection under the Medicare program for elderly and disabled Americans who suffer an acute care catastrophic illness."

"I am asking the Congress to give elderly Americans a health insurance plan that fights the fear of catastrophic acute care illness."

"I am pleased to transmit today for your immediate consideration and enactment the 'Medicare Catastrophic Illness Coverage Act.'"

"A catastrophic acute care illness requires treatment so costly that families can only pay for it by impoverishing themselves."