Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following statement today on the 45th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid being signed into law. Congressman Dingell gaveled down the vote when the bill passed the House of Representatives in 1965 and was with President Lyndon Johnson at the signing. He still has one of the pens used to sign the legislation.
“Even now, 45 years later, the creation of Medicare and Medicaid still stands as one of the great legislative accomplishments during my time in Congress. For all the political wrangling, it’s hard to argue that this program satisfies the millions of Americans who depend on it, while delivering care with remarkably low administrative costs – much lower than those from private insurers. I stood with President Johnson on that stage in Independence, Missouri, even as Republicans promised to repeal the bill. I continue to fight for Medicare today and I’m pleased that our new health care reform bill with strengthen Medicare and extend the life of the program. Fueled by the spirits of the architects of Medicare – including my dad – we’ve built on their wonderful work and we’ll continue to keep the program working for the American people.”
President Johnson shakes hands with Congressman Dingell after signing Medicare into law.
Photo courtesy of the LBJ Library and Museum, Austin, TX
