Political Quotes

“The Medicare Program is literally a life-and-death program for 40 million Americans. For 40 million Americans who are either over the age of 65 or disabled, this is their health insurance program. It was created back in the 1960s. When it was created by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, its critics said: This is too big. This is too much government. This is socialized medicine, they said. And many voted against it, saying it was a mistake. Well, after 40 or more years, we know it wasn't a mistake. It may be one of the most thoughtful and important programs enacted since Social Security because it gave peace of mind to senior citizens. They knew when they reached that moment in life when they were likely to be more vulnerable to illness and disease, they would have health insurance. They could go to a hospital or doctor and get basic care and not worry about whether they were wealthy enough to have health insurance or enough savings to cover a medical catastrophe. So this program, which was derided and criticized for being too much government, has been one of the great success stories of this country, and the seniors value it. Every one of them values it.”