Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) issued the following statement today on the 50th anniversary of Medicare:

“Fifty years ago, President Lynden Johnson signed the Medicare program into law, which has enabled millions of seniors and people with disabilities to receive quality healthcare. As we commemorate this important milestone, it’s critical that we look forward to the next 50 years and put policies in place to ensure Medicare remains strong,” DelBene said. “Unfortunately, Medicare continues to face attacks from some in Congress. I strongly oppose these efforts and I’ll continue to stand up against attempts to weaken or privatize the program.”

Earlier this year, House leaders tried to re-open the Medicare Part D “donut hole” — which would increase drug costs for 72,000 seniors in Washington — and replace the Medicare guarantee of health coverage with a voucher premium-support system.

DelBene has cosponsored legislation to increase patient access to providers in rural and underserved areas (H.R. 592), eliminate barriers to skilled nursing care (H.R. 1571) and improve care planning for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (H.R. 1559). The Congresswoman also supports allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, and is leading a bill to ensure low-income seniors can get rides to and from their doctor appointments.

More than 50 million seniors and people with disabilities benefit from Medicare, including 90,000 in Washington’s First District.

On Friday, July 31, DelBene will meet with seniors from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to talk about Medicare at the Northshore Senior Center in Bothell.

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