To the editor:
This week, we celebrate the 48th anniversary of Medicare. For most seniors, it’s hard to picture life without it. Before President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law in 1965, affordable private coverage was virtually nonexistent for Americans 65 and older. Personally, I would have likely died without my Medicare coverage and the extraordinary cardiac rehab program it enabled.
Now, workers pay into Medicare throughout their working lives so that Americans age 65+ as well as people living with disabilities can get health coverage. Today, more than 37 million people nationwide and over 270,000 Mainers rely on Medicare and these numbers will continue to grow.
Medicare faces a number of challenges due to demographic changes and overall rising health care costs. As we celebrate Medicare’s birthday, let’s look for ways to work together to improve Medicare without hurting seniors. Go to www.earnedasay.org, share your ideas, and tell your Member of Congress what you think.
Rich Livingston, state president
AARP Maine
Auburn
