[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 148 (Tuesday, August 3, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 46835-46836]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-19202]
[[Page 46833]]
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Part III
The President
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Proclamation 8544--45th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 148 / Tuesday, August 3, 2010 /
Presidential Documents
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Title 3--
The President
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Proclamation 8544 of July 30, 2010
45th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare and
Medicaid into law on July 30, 1965, millions of
Americans and about half our Nation's seniors lacked
health care coverage, unable to afford basic health
care services or weather a medical emergency. The
signing of Medicare forged a promise with older
Americans--that those who have contributed a lifetime
to our national life and economy can enjoy their golden
years with peace of mind and the security of reliable
medical insurance. Medicaid created an essential
partnership between the Federal Government and the
States to provide a basic health care safety net for
some of the most vulnerable Americans: low-income
children, parents, seniors, and people with
disabilities. Forty-five years later, we must ensure
this inviolable trust between America and its citizens
remains stronger than ever.
Medicare and Medicaid support longer, healthier lives
and economic security for some of the neediest among
us. Since their expansion in 1972, Medicare and
Medicaid have covered millions of people with
disabilities, protecting individuals who otherwise
might not have access to affordable health coverage.
Today, Medicare provides over 47 million Americans with
dependable medical insurance, and is the largest health
care provider in our Nation. State Medicaid programs
provide health and long-term care coverage to more than
56 million low-income Americans. With too many
communities stricken by the economic crisis, Medicaid
provides a critical support for those struggling to
raise healthy families or cope with illness or injury.
No American should be one illness away from financial
ruin, and we must continue to keep Medicare and
Medicaid strong for the millions of beneficiaries who
rely on these vital safety nets.
Medicare is not simply an entitlement program that
starts at age 65--it is earned over a lifetime. The
health care reforms in the landmark Affordable Care Act
(ACA) renew and strengthen our pledge to America's
seniors and families, ensuring Medicare and Medicaid
will be there when they need it. Guaranteed Medicare
benefits will not change, and participants will see
greater savings, improved quality, and increased
accountability in their health care coverage.
My Administration is taking steps to extend the life
of the Medicare trust fund and to slow the growth of
Medicare costs. The ACA helps accomplish this by
addressing overpayments to insurance companies that
operate Medicare Advantage plans; aggressively fighting
waste, fraud, and abuse; and better coordinating the
care of individuals with chronic conditions. The ACA
also helps seniors and people with disabilities in
Medicare who fall in the Part D coverage gap for
prescription drug costs, or the ``donut hole,'' and
Medicare beneficiaries who reach the donut hole this
year are receiving a $250 rebate. Additionally,
beneficiaries will see 50 percent discounts on brand
name drugs in the coverage gap starting next year, and
an end of the coverage gap altogether by 2020. To
encourage health maintenance, the ACA enables Medicare
to provide a free annual physical examination and other
effective preventative care services, like certain
colorectal cancer screenings and mammograms, with no
co-pays or deductibles. Through focus
[[Page 46836]]
on preventative care, increased efficiencies, and
better management, the ACA is modernizing the health
care system to make it work better for older Americans.
As President, I will protect the promise of Medicare
and Medicaid, and make sure they continue to be strong
and solvent for our children and grandchildren. As we
celebrate the 45th anniversary of these critical
programs, we reflect on a moment when our Nation made
an enduring commitment to care for those who have given
the most to our society, and those living in poverty.
Let us continue protecting Medicare and Medicaid so
older Americans can age with dignity, and so all
Americans can live longer, healthier, and happier
lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim July 30, 2010, as the
45th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. I call upon
all Americans to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities that recognize the vital
safety net that Medicare and Medicaid provide for
millions of Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of July, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2010-19202
Filed 8-2-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P