DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released the following statement to recognize the 59th anniversary of the legislation that created Medicare and Medicaid:

“In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed historic legislation to create Medicare and Medicaid, revolutionizing and dramatically expanding health care access. In the 59 years since, these programs have increased access to critical health care, helped save countless lives, and provided peace of mind to generations of Americans struggling under crushing medical costs. Medicare and Medicaid play a crucial role in ensuring health care is a right, not a privilege, and that Americans from all walks of life have access to the necessary treatments and care they need.  

“Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, Democrats have bolstered and defended Medicare and Medicaid while fighting to lower costs for Americans. However, MAGA Republicans continue to block Medicaid expansion in several states, denying hundreds of thousands of Americans critical health care coverage, and are determined to erode our progress through Donald Trump and JD Vance’s extreme Project 2025 agenda. While in office, Trump proposed cuts to Medicare in every single one of his budgets. If given another chance, he will gut Medicare, end the expansion of Medicaid to low-income adults, and once again try to repeal the Affordable Care Act. In Project 2025’s America, health care isn’t for all, but instead only the few who can afford it. 

“Our vision for America has capped insulin costs and lowered prescription drug prices for seniors while strengthening the Affordable Care Act. This November, Medicaid is on the ballot. Medicare is on the ballot. Our health is on the ballot. We cannot allow Trump and Vance to strip away essential care from those we love. That’s why we must elect Democrats up and down the ballot and protect Medicare and Medicaid from Republican extremism.”