[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 148 (Monday, August 3, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 46175-46176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19180]
[[Page 46173]]
Vol. 80
Monday,
No. 148
August 3, 2015
Part III
The President
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Proclamation 9305--50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid
Executive Order 13702--Creating a National Strategic Computing
Initiative
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 148 / Monday, August 3, 2015 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
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Proclamation 9305 of July 29, 2015
50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed
Medicare and Medicaid into law. Fifty years later,
these programs have been woven into the fabric of our
society--cornerstones of the fundamental belief that in
America, health care is a right and not a privilege.
Today, Medicare and Medicaid help tens of millions of
Americans live longer, healthier lives and achieve
economic security. Together, they have helped protect
the quintessential American promise that opportunity,
prosperity, and economic mobility are within reach for
everyone who works hard and plays by the rules. On this
anniversary, we pause to celebrate these landmark
achievements and reflect on the ways they have improved
our Nation.
As we commemorate two of America's greatest triumphs,
we must not forget that the security they provide was
not always guaranteed, nor was their progress
inevitable or their success preordained. Before
Medicare and Medicaid, only about half of all seniors
had some form of insurance, and too many of our most
vulnerable citizens--including children and people with
disabilities--did not have access to quality,
affordable care.
As a Nation, we chose to end that era. With hard work
and determination, we fought to secure the health and
peace of mind of millions of our people who previously
lacked a basic measure of security. Medicare and
Medicaid did not just make our country better; they
reaffirmed its greatness and established a legacy that
we must carry forward today. We must recognize that
this work, though begun a half-century ago and
continued over the decades that have followed, is not
yet complete. For too many, quality, affordable health
care is still out of reach--and we must recommit to
finishing this important task.
We have made important strides in this fight, and
today, health care is more affordable and accessible
than ever before thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
Because of this law, more than 16 million uninsured
Americans have gained the security of health insurance,
including through its expansion of Medicaid. Nearly 40
million people on Medicare have taken advantage of free
preventive health services, and the law has saved over
9 million seniors on Medicare more than $15 billion in
prescription drug costs. It has expanded the options
for home and community-based services offered by
Medicaid. And since I signed this law, we have extended
the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by 13 years.
Since the Affordable Care Act became law, health care
prices have risen at the lowest rate since Medicare and
Medicaid were established, and as President, I am
dedicated to building on this progress to ensure these
programs are protected and strengthened. Earlier this
year, I was proud to sign bipartisan legislation to
permanently fix the Medicare physician payment system--
creating a cost-effective way to compensate doctors
based on how well they help their patients get and stay
healthy. I am fighting to further extend the solvency
of the Hospital Insurance trust fund, align payments
more closely with the value of care, and build on the
Affordable Care Act by closing the Medicare Part D
donut hole for brand drugs by 2017. I am committed to
reducing rapidly rising prescription drug costs in both
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Medicare and Medicaid. And every day, I am working to
convince more Governors and State legislatures to take
advantage of the Federal Government's financial support
to expand Medicaid and cover the millions of additional
Americans who would be eligible for quality, affordable
health insurance.
Five decades ago, the United States recognized our
obligation to care for our fellow Americans. Today, we
must ensure this promise is protected for our parents,
children, and grandchildren. On the 50th anniversary of
Medicare and Medicaid, let us not be content with the
progress we have made. Instead, let us summon the
resolve of the generations that came before us and
recommit to advancing this noble cause. Five decades
from now, when people look back on this time, let it be
said that our generation put its shoulder to the wheel
and carried forward the work of making affordable
health care a reality for all Americans.
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, 2015, as the
50th 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
twenty-ninth day of July, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2015-19180
Filed 7-31-15; 11:15 am]
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