REP. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement in celebration of 50 years of Medicare and Medicaid:

“Today we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. These life-saving programs have formed the bedrock of economic security and well-being for so many people across our nation and state. In my district, Florida’s 23rd, more than 114,000 seniors utilize Medicare and more than 90,000 low-income constituents utilize Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act, coupled with the Supreme Court’s rulings upholding it as the law of the land, have helped strengthen Medicare and Medicaid for years to come.

“Unfortunately, some in Congress have proposed ending the Medicare guarantee or weakening it through repeal of the ACA, and some in the Florida Legislature have joined our obstinate Governor, Rick Scott, in refusing to expand Medicaid to 800,000 more Floridians in need of coverage. I stand resolute in protecting these cornerstone programs that have lifted millions out of poverty while providing affordable, quality health care. We must work together to continue strengthening and expanding these programs while rooting out fraud, waste and abuse. Today’s historic anniversary will only deepen my resolve to work on behalf of my constituents every single day to protect Medicare and Medicaid.”