Dearborn, MI – Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15), Taylor Mayor Jeff Lamarand, and MediLodge Group CEO Gail Clarkson, joined with staff and residents from the Taylor MediLodge today to discuss the importance of Medicare.  Many of the facility’s elderly and infirmed patients are covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

“Before Medicare and Medicaid were enacted in 1965, one-half of America’s seniors were uninsured,” Congressman Dingell said after the event.  “Today, Medicare is the largest source of health care coverage in the United States.  Forty-seven million Americans benefit from the Medicare program—including many MediLodge patients.  Health care reform will extend the Medicare trust fund for an additional 12 years.  The new health insurance reform law also makes historic investments in cutting waste and preventing fraud in the Medicare program.  Changes like this allow the health care professionals at MediLodge facilities to concentrate on helping people, while worrying less about administrative matters.”

This comes just days after the Congressman voted for an additional $16 billion to go to State Medicaid programs.  For Michigan, this means an estimated $380 million in additional Medicaid funding to avert drastic cuts in the State’s Medicaid program. 

Founded in 1979, the MediLodge Group owns and operates 15 nursing homes and one assisted living center in small and large cities across Michigan.