William H. Frist: “Tomorrow, America celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Medicare law. Forty years ago, standing in the Harry S. Truman…”

“Tomorrow, America celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Medicare law. Forty years ago, standing in the Harry S. Truman library in Independence, Missouri, President Johnson told a grateful nation that ``Through this new law, every citizen will be able, in his productive years when he is earning, to insure himself against the ravages of old age.'' Passage of the Medicare law ensured that never again would health care for the elderly be a matter of charity, but one of national conscience. Medicare has served millions of seniors, improving their health and lengthening their lives. Today, 41 million elderly and disabled Americans have Medicare coverage. That number is expected to hit 77 million in 2031 when the baby boom generation is fully enrolled. I am proud to have worked to pass the Medicare Modernization Act in 2003. This legislation guarantees seniors for the first time have access to affordable prescription drugs. It also expands health care choices, improves preventive care, and begins to take a number of additional steps to improve quality and affordability of care in the Medicare program. In just a few short months, in January 2006, every senior will have access to prescription drug coverage under Medicare. This represents the most significant improvement to the Medicare program since its inception 40 years ago. And 41 million American seniors and individuals with disabilities finally have the prescription drug coverage they need and the Medicare choices they deserve.…”