July 1, 2011

 Washington, DC —Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today in celebration of the 45th anniversary of Medicare taking effect:

“A lot has changed since 1966, when Medicare took effect. New technologies and medicines are being invented all the time that keep Americans healthier and help them live longer. Hip replacements and chemotherapy – pioneered in the 60’s – are now performed in the United States every single day.

“Medicine has changed. But one thing hasn’t changed: seniors need Medicare. In fact, the rising cost of health care today means seniors need Medicare’s protection now more than ever.

“Republicans would trade away the health and safety of today’s seniors for the sake of tax breaks for billionaires, wealthy oil companies, corporations that ship jobs overseas and corporate jets owners. That’s why I will never stop fighting to preserve this successful program. As long as I am in the Senate, I will oppose Republican plans to weaken or undermine it. Because Republicans’ plan to end Medicare is one idea whose time will never come.”