U.S. President Barack Obama is photographed speaking about Medicare in a conference. (Photo : Reuters)
Medicare and Medicaid celebrated their 50th birthday last week on July 30, Thursday, commemorating President Johnson's signing them into law. President Obama is now countering Republican critics who argue that the two programs are in a "crisis," and ought to undergo budget cuts or be phased out completely.
Obama recently launched a video in which he stated that the political excuse is made to reduce funding, privatize, or even eliminate the programs altogether. This would weaken their central guarantee.
He also argued that the two programs are not in a critical state. In addition, the United States President observed that their funds have not been cut despite his administration's reducing federal deficits by two-thirds.
Conservative Republicans have recently supported the reforming of entitlement programs. They include the GOP's 2016 primary candidates.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush argued in July at a New Hampshire event that Medicare should be phased out. He claimed that the system is not "sustainable," according to CBS News.
However, progressive Democrats such as frontrunner Hilary Clinton argued at a National Urban League event on July 31, Friday that Bush's argument is inconsistent. He has argued that all Americans have a "right to rise." However, then he also stated that he opposes Medicare and Obamacare.
The president stated on August 1, Saturday that all Americans deserve a health care system that is effective and excellent. This will require "smart changes."
Such changes include the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or "Obamacare." The U.S. President shared that it has saved the U.S. over $15 billion on prescription drugs and now covers almost 13 million more people.
Medicare and Medicaid supporters argue that the systems must remain fiscally solid, to prevent their effectiveness from decreasing. Dr. William Walker is a California Health Officer. He stated that Medicaid has affected millions of Americans' lives, and its continued success will be dependent on it remaining strong and always improving, according to San Jose Mercury News.
