Birthday Party for Medicare and Medicaid After Action Report
PACG Healthcare Reform and other groups
Community members from across the Quad Cities gathered Wednesday, July 29, at the Eastern Avenue Branch of the Davenport Public Library to celebrate the 61st anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid and reaffirm their support for preserving the vital health care programs.
The event was hosted by the Iowa Citizen Action Network, the Alliance for Retired Americans, and Progressive Action for the Common Good. Over 30 people attended, enjoying cupcakes and ice cream while commemorating the anniversary of the landmark programs, which were signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 30, 1965.
As part of the celebration, community members signed a birthday card on behalf of the millions of Americans who have benefited from Medicare and Medicaid over the past six decades. People were also invited to share written comments and personal stories about how the programs have impacted their lives and the lives of their families.
The program featured remarks from retired physician Dr. Jim Kettelkamp; Jay Williams and Doug Sample, who shared their experiences as Medicaid beneficiaries; Krystle Able, Executive Director of the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans; and Sue Dinsdale, Executive Director of the Iowa Citizen Action Network.
Dr. Kettelkamp highlighted the crucial role of Medicaid in funding rural hospitals, which not only provide local and immediate care but are also often the largest employer in the area. He pointed out that when rural hospitals shut down services, “the sound of helicopters becomes the sound of health care.”
Williams asked, “What is government for?” His answer was, “to represent and protect people.” He spoke of Medicare and Medicaid as “compassion made public.”
Sample, who has multiple sclerosis, shared documents from his years of trying to receive his needed health care through Iowa Medicaid. He described how Medicaid officials denied or ignored his applications for health care services, in one instance over a four-year period, that forced him to crawl into his own home and live primarily on dry cereal.
Organizers concluded the event by encouraging attendees to remain engaged, share their stories with elected officials, and continue advocating for policies that strengthen Medicare and Medicaid for current and future beneficiaries.
The event was co-sponsored by the Iowa Citizen Action Network, the Alliance for Retired Americans, Progressive Action for the Common Good, Citizen Action Illinois, Fairness for Iowa, Health Care for America NOW, Main Street Alliance, and One Human Family QCA.
Kay Pence, Vice President
Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans
(Note: the slideshow presentation from the party is attached below. Kay has also written a letter to the QC Times about the need to strengthen both of these programs. Read her letter at our PACG blog post here. We got great media coverage as well: WVIK/NPR and KWQC)
The event was hosted by the Iowa Citizen Action Network, the Alliance for Retired Americans, and Progressive Action for the Common Good. Over 30 people attended, enjoying cupcakes and ice cream while commemorating the anniversary of the landmark programs, which were signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 30, 1965.
As part of the celebration, community members signed a birthday card on behalf of the millions of Americans who have benefited from Medicare and Medicaid over the past six decades. People were also invited to share written comments and personal stories about how the programs have impacted their lives and the lives of their families.
The program featured remarks from retired physician Dr. Jim Kettelkamp; Jay Williams and Doug Sample, who shared their experiences as Medicaid beneficiaries; Krystle Able, Executive Director of the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans; and Sue Dinsdale, Executive Director of the Iowa Citizen Action Network.
Dr. Kettelkamp highlighted the crucial role of Medicaid in funding rural hospitals, which not only provide local and immediate care but are also often the largest employer in the area. He pointed out that when rural hospitals shut down services, “the sound of helicopters becomes the sound of health care.”
Williams asked, “What is government for?” His answer was, “to represent and protect people.” He spoke of Medicare and Medicaid as “compassion made public.”
Sample, who has multiple sclerosis, shared documents from his years of trying to receive his needed health care through Iowa Medicaid. He described how Medicaid officials denied or ignored his applications for health care services, in one instance over a four-year period, that forced him to crawl into his own home and live primarily on dry cereal.
Organizers concluded the event by encouraging attendees to remain engaged, share their stories with elected officials, and continue advocating for policies that strengthen Medicare and Medicaid for current and future beneficiaries.
The event was co-sponsored by the Iowa Citizen Action Network, the Alliance for Retired Americans, Progressive Action for the Common Good, Citizen Action Illinois, Fairness for Iowa, Health Care for America NOW, Main Street Alliance, and One Human Family QCA.
Kay Pence, Vice President
Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans
(Note: the slideshow presentation from the party is attached below. Kay has also written a letter to the QC Times about the need to strengthen both of these programs. Read her letter at our PACG blog post here. We got great media coverage as well: WVIK/NPR and KWQC)
| medicare_medicaid_birthday_slide_show.pptx |
RSS Feed
