Political Quotes

“Madam President, this week Medicare is turning 49 years old. Since July 1965, Medicare has provided critical access to health care benefits for older Americans and people with disabilities. Florida alone is home to over 3.5 million Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare has become a landmark program based on its popularity among beneficiaries and the comprehensive benefits offered. In 1959, almost 4 out of 10 Americans over age 65 were living below the poverty line, as compared with about 1 in 10 seniors living in poverty in 2000. Prior to Medicare, seniors paid almost half of the cost of their health; in 1997, seniors paid only 18 percent of their health care costs. Medicare pulled millions of Americans out of poverty by not only providing them with important health benefits, but also by enabling seniors to use their hard-earned retirement savings for needs other than their health care. As chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, I understand that Medicare is essential to the Nation, particularly as the baby boom generation enters retirement. Those served by Medicare often have modest incomes and complex health conditions that depend on these lifesaving benefits. As a committee, we have looked at Medicare's prescription drug benefit, researched ways to eradicate fraud and waste in the program, and ensured that seniors have access to quality, affordable care.…”