Janice Schakowsky: “I rise this afternoon to celebrate the 48th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid and the security they provide for…”

“I rise this afternoon to celebrate the 48th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid and the security they provide for seniors and persons with disabilities, half of whom live on less than $22,000, total, a year. Half of all seniors before Medicare had no insurance at all. Listen to my constituent, Nan Anderson from Evanston: It was a tremendous relief to become eligible for Medicare. Basically, I am a well person but have had some costly procedures, all of which have been covered. Currently, I am recovering from a spinal fusion. If it weren't for Medicare, I would never have reached this point. Without the surgery, I would likely have been reduced to a dependent person. Now I know that I will be able to walk normally and unaided for several years. We made improvements in Medicare in ObamaCare--lower drug costs, free preventive services, fraud-cutting, and improved quality. Medicaid pays for 40 percent of all long-term care costs. Today, I voice my support for Medicare and Medicaid and my vigorous opposition to benefit cuts that will harm those who depend on them. ____________________”