July 30 marks the 45th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, programs that have provided a lifeline and coverage to older Americans and people with disabilities who previously had none.

Today on Capitol Hill, supporters gathered to celebrate the 45th birthday of Medicare and Medicaid and reaffirm their support for preserving and strengthening these bedrock programs. Speakers at the celebration held by the Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force included Democratic Council Chairman John Larson, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and SEIU Local 26 member Keylá Kahl, a janitor from Minneapolis, MN.

What was life like before President Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid Bill into law nearly half a century ago? Well, for starters, nearly 50 percent of older Americans didn't have health insurance. Thanks to Medicare, today nearly all Americans age 65 and older have coverage--and the greater peace of mind and security that comes with that. In 1965, roughly 25 percent of Medicare beneficiaries lived in poverty. Today, that percentage has decreased to around 16 percent.

Moving forward, SEIU is calling on Democratic and Republican senators to back legislation extending Medicaid funding to the states--and to do it before the August recess.

Watch video highlights from the Capitol Hill Medicaid and Medicare celebration and then share it on Facebook:

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