Sen. Ed Markey: Republicans' Medicaid and Medicare Cuts Jeopardize American Life Expectancy

Historical Impact of Progressive Programs on Life Expectancy

• 💡 A little over a century ago, U.S. life expectancy was 48 years, but progressive movements introduced programs like vaccines, public health interventions, and NIH research.
• 🔑 In 1935, Social Security passed, increasing life expectancy to 61, with Republicans voting against it, prioritizing the wealthy.
• 📈 By 1965, with the passage of Medicare and Medicaid, life expectancy rose to 70, again facing Republican opposition.
• ✅ Today, life expectancy stands at 78 years, a 30-year gain attributed to these foundational programs.

Republican Opposition and Proposed Cuts

• 🎯 Senator Markey criticizes Republicans for their