Political Quotes

“I think it is a program that their children worry about. They want to make sure that their mothers and fathers--grandparents in some instances--have the protection of Medicare. It is hard to believe this program only dates back about 35 years. It is a program that has now become so essential, and it is a program that has worked. As a result of the Medicare Program, people are living longer, the quality of health care for elderly people has improved. At the same time, the Medicare Program has really democratized health care across America. Hospitals, which once might have served the very elite clientele, now serve virtually everyone because they are part of the Medicare Program. I think that is a plus. I think that says a lot about our country. I worry when I look at the alternative budget plans here because the Democratic plan is very specific. It says if there is to be a surplus-- and we think there will be--that this surplus should be used for specific purposes: to save Social Security and to preserve Medicare. Unfortunately, on the other side, there is no mention of Medicare.”