Political Quotes

“I am very pleased to submit this Concurrent Resolution on behalf of myself and my Democratic colleagues. I rise to commend two programs that have served as a safety net for millions of Americans, Medicare and Medicaid. This Saturday, Medicare and its sister program Medicaid turn forty, and for millions of Americans, these vital health care programs have literally meant the difference between life and death. I am proud to be sponsoring a resolution to commemorate Medicare's birthday on behalf of the Democratic caucus and to be co-sponsoring a similar resolution for Medicaid. Medicare is a great American success story, and one of the most successful federal programs of all time. It has lifted countless seniors out of poverty, allowing them to live with dignity and independence, and it has ensured access to necessary, affordable, quality medical care for our most vulnerable citizens. Prior to the introduction of Medicare, half of America's seniors couldn't find or afford health insurance. Today, Medicare is the closest thing our Nation has to universal coverage, providing health care to nearly 42 million Americans, including over 1 million in Michigan. Moreover, Medicare has been remarkably efficient, especially considering the population it covers. Its administrative costs average less than 2 percent of its expenditures; in comparison, the administrative costs for private insurance can run 12 to 13 percent, sometimes as high as 25 percent.…”