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Guest Commentary: July 13, 2001
The 36th Anniversary of Medicare
The Honorable Barbara Boxer
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Americans today live longer and healthier lives than ever before in our nation's history due in part to the federal Medicare program.
When Medicare was created on July 12, 1965, it provided a new layer of health care protection for older Americans. Today, 97% of seniors receive some form of Medicare coverage.
Medicare has contributed to the quality and stability of American health care. It serves not only those covered by the program today, but also the generations of families that follow.
From President Harry S. Truman who first asked Congress to make it part of the national agenda, to President John F. Kennedy who supported its cause, our nation's leaders have fought to improve the health of our parents and grandparents.
As President Lyndon B. Johnson declared in 1966,  "Medicare will free millions from their miseries. It will signal a deep and lasting change in the American way of life. It will take its place beside Social Security, and together they will form the twin pillars of protection upon which all people can safely build their lives and hopes."
Now is the time to build on the success of the Medicare Program. We must continue to expand Medicare by providing seniors with prescription drug coverage and better preventative health care. We must ensure that Medicare coverage is available to all seniors and disabled Americans.
On the 36th anniversary of Medicare, I hope you will join me in celebrating a program that has helped provide for the health and well-being of millions of Americans. I hope you will join me in strengthening this valuable program.
Note: This column has been adapted from a statement released by Sen. Boxer, July 11, 2001.
 How to contact Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-California)
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