The presidential candidates should _make the preservation of Medicare as a vital social insurance program a top domestic priority_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=pRyqAqOJI7C6XnpB+nrmO2f/T3So5j8F) . For 43 years, Medicare has provided quality health insurance and access to healthcare for older people and, since 1972, for people with disabilities. The next president should end Medicare subsidies to private industry that threaten the very foundations of the program, and recognize these Medicare truths: * 95% of Americans aged 65 or over have health insurance; before Medicare, half had no health insurance. * Medicare has helped to increase life expectancy - In 1950, the average life expectancy at age 65 was another 13.9 years. By 2004, that number had increased to 18.7 years. * Medicare keeps older people out of poverty. * Medicare relieves the next generation of the worry and reality of having to pay their parents' medical bills at the expense of their own needs. * Private Medicare plans, like so-called "Medicare Advantage," are 13% more expensive to taxpayers than the public Medicare program. _Take action today_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=ZsaE+AiyRAU7gxsn4aDkaWf/T3So5j8F) - tell the presidential candidates to preserve Medicare as a dependable, valued public program. If you feel you have received this message in error, would like an address corrected, or would like to add an address, please _contact us_ (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) . Copyright 2008 Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc. Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc. PO Box 350 Willimantic, CT 06250 (860) 456-7790 (860) 456-2614 (fax) _www.medicareadvocacy.org_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=pOhAOzpr7JHd32m5FldMM2f/T3So5j8F) The information in this electronic communication is intended only for the use of the individual(s) or entity named above, and may be legally privileged and confidential under applicable law. If the recipient of this message is not the above-named intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that any dissemination, copy or disclosure of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender above and purge the communication immediately without making any copy or distribution. **************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com. (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)
