Candice S. Miller: “Medicare was enacted in the 1960s to address a serious problem, and that problem, of course, was the lack of quality…”

“Medicare was enacted in the 1960s to address a serious problem, and that problem, of course, was the lack of quality health care for our Nation's elderly. In the past 40 years, Medicare has become actually one of the most popular Federal programs ever. But so much has changed in the days since Medicare was first enacted. In the 1960s, quality health care usually meant going to the doctor's office and receiving treatment for a particular ailment, and, in many cases, it meant hospitalization. But today, things are very much different. Advancement in the development and effectiveness of prescription drugs has made the trip to the doctor, and, more importantly, a trip to the hospital, unnecessary in many, many cases. Prescription drugs are helping America's seniors to live longer lives, and healthier and happier lives as well. And yet, Medicare has not changed to cover those life-extending drugs, and too many seniors are being forced to make the impossible choice between their prescriptions and their other basic needs like food or rent. That, of course, is simply wrong. No senior should ever have to make the choice between bills and pills.”