DSCC Statement on the 56th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid

To mark the 56th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Senator Gary Peters released the following statement:

“Today’s anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid is an important reminder of Senate Republicans’ repeated efforts to slash these vital programs, break the promise of Medicare for seniors and spike health care costs for Americans. While Democrats are protecting Medicare and Medicaid, Republicans have used every opportunity to try to cut these programs — all while spending tax dollars on handouts to the wealthy and well-connected. Voters know the future of Medicare and Medicaid are at stake in 2022 and they will hold every Republican accountable for their wrong priorities and threats to these programs.”

A look at Senate Republicans’ attacks on Medicare and Medicaid:

• When Republicans controlled the Senate, they voted to cut Medicare and supported privatizing it, putting at risk health care coverage for over 61 million Americans including 53 million seniors who rely on Medicare — all the while handing tax giveaways to big corporations.

• If successful, Senate Republicans’ attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act would have put an end to Medicaid expansion and kicked 18 million people off their health care.

• In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, by voting against the American Rescue Plan, every Senate Republican voted against ensuring Medicaid covers the cost of COVID-19 vaccination, prevention and treatment efforts and against increased funding for home and community-based services that help seniors receive quality care in their community rather than in nursing homes.

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