Hoyer Statement On Anniversary of Medicare Being Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today on the 48th anniversary of Medicare being signed into law:

"For the past forty-eight years, Medicare has enabled America's seniors to live without the fear of being unable to access or afford quality health care. Democrats have proudly stood up in defense of Medicare and worked to improve it for generations to come.  I am proud of our work on the Affordable Care Act, which extended the solvency of the Medicare program by eight years and lowered seniors' out-of-pocket costs by eliminating co-pays for preventive care services and closing the prescription drug coverage ‘donut hole.' Because of this law, people with Medicare in Maryland have saved nearly $103 million on prescription drugs.  Last year alone, 48,949 Marylanders saved over $38 million, an average of $768 for each individual. In addition, Medicare spending and premium growth are at historic lows.

"It is disappointing that House Republicans continue to fixate on a repeal-only agenda for the health care our seniors rely on.  This week, with their fortieth vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, House Republicans are committing themselves once again to undoing Medicare reforms that are already saving seniors hundreds of dollars each year and improving the quality of their care.  For the third year in a row, House Republicans have introduced and passed a budget that would end Medicare as we know it and make health care less affordable for our seniors.  They deserve better from this Congress, and I hope Republicans will stop trying to turn the clock back on Medicare and instead work with Democrats to defend and strengthen it for seniors today and for years to come."