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Proclamation Declaring Support of the Medicare Turns 50 National Campaign. (City Manager)
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Proclamation - REVISED
Whereas, July 30, 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Medicare Act; and
Whereas, Medicare is our nation's largest and most successful health insurance system, serving the healthcare needs of 54 million older and disabled Americans, 25% of whom have annual incomes below $14,400; and
Whereas Medicare is a financially efficient health care system, with administrative costs averaging only 2 percent of program outlays; and
Whereas, before Medicare was passed in 1965, nearly half of the elderly in the United States lacked health insurance coverage; today, just 2% of those over 65 are uninsured; and
Whereas, on July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Medicare Bill, which provides low-cost hospitalization and medical insurance for the nation's elderly; and
Whereas, in 1972, eligibility for the program was extended to Americans under 65 with certain disabilities; and
Whereas, for nearly fifty years Medicare has given seniors the ability to see a doctor and fill a prescription, thus serving many who could not otherwise afford health care services; and
Whereas, Medicare's future has been strengthened by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which improves care for Medicare beneficiaries by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for preventive screenings, annual wellness visits, and personalized prevention plans; providing discounts on prescription drugs; and providing incentives to improve the quality of care that is provided; and
Whereas healthcare is a human right, and all Americans deserve affordable, comprehensive healthcare.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that I, Trish Herrera Spencer, Mayor of the City of Alameda, on behalf of the City Council of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim our support for the "Medicare Turns 50" national campaign to celebrate the history and impact of the...
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