Activists Rally to 'Protect, Improve, Expand' Medicare

Thousands of CWAers, labor and other progressive activists rallied across the country in a National Day of Action celebrating the 50th anniversary of Medicare, a law that has improved the lives of millions, especially of the elderly.

At a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., hundreds of union activists joined the call to "protect, improve and expand" the Medicare program.

President Lyndon Johnson signed the legislation 50 years ago today: "No longer will older Americans be denied the healing miracle of modern medicine. No longer will illness crush and destroy the savings that they have so carefully put away over a lifetime so that they might enjoy dignity in their later years," he said.

Medicare provided health care for 50 million Americans last year, covering health care costs and stabilizing finances in households on fixed budgets. The nation's single most successful and efficient health care program, Medicare holds administration costs at only 2% while many private insurance companies spend up to 20% of their revenue on non-medical care costs.

CWA, union and progressive allies are determined to build on Medicare's success and ensure that it's available for the next generations of Americans.

"Medicare and Social Security have stood the test of time and proven their worth. Medicare is more efficient than private insurance in this country, and we need to expand it," Nancy Altman, founder of Social Security Works said. Also speaking were Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.)

On Capitol Hill, hundreds of union activists celebrate the 50th anniversary of Medicare and call on Congress to improve and expand it.