WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the 60th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid Act, the landmark legislation that created two of America’s most vital health care programs. These programs have become the essential cornerstone of our nation’s health care system, providing coverage for over 140 million Americans each year. Yet this milestone anniversary carries a somber tone as we face the largest cuts to these programs in their six-decade history.
Congressional Republicans have slashed more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act through their Big, Ugly Bill. The legislation will also trigger billions of dollars in Medicare cuts, while adding bureaucratic red tape and raising prescription drug costs for millions of Medicare beneficiaries. This devastating legislation has ripped away health care from more than 15 million Americans while raising health care costs for millions more – all to fund massive tax breaks for the nation’s wealthiest individuals and corporations. Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill will force hundreds of hospitals to close across the country, including rural hospitals that serve as lifelines for their communities.
In response, Defend America Action Senior Spokesperson Rodericka Applewhaite released the following statement:
“Sixty years ago, President Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law, ensuring our most vulnerable citizens would have access to essential health care. Today, on this milestone anniversary, Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans are celebrating by passing the most devastating attack on health care in American history – completely betraying that promise. Their Big, Ugly Bill breaks Trump’s promise not to cut Medicaid, kicks eligible, qualified people off the program, and forces rural hospitals across the country to close, all while exploding the deficit to pay for giant tax breaks for the richest people on the planet.
“This represents a complete and utter betrayal of the American people, and it’s morally wrong, deeply unpopular, and political suicide. While Congressional Republicans celebrate this legislation, they’re telling millions of Americans who will get sicker or die because of this disastrous legislation to just ‘get over it.’ The American people will remember this devastating betrayal, and Republicans will pay the price for choosing Donald Trump and billionaires over working families.”
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