This Thursday: Medicare is Having a Birthday Party

When Medicare was signed into law on July 30, 1965, nearly half of Americans over 65 had no health insurance, and many more lacked adequate coverage. Today, only 2% of senior citizens in the U.S. are uninsured. To celebrate the success of Medicare and rally for universal expansion of the program, events are being held in more than 2 dozen cities across the country.

The Los Angeles version will predictably have strong entertainment. There will be musical performances by Lili Haydn, who’s been called the “Jimi Hendrix of the violin,” along with Latino Hip-Hop group the Inner City Dwellers and musical parody group Billionaires for Wealthcare.

Also on the program are actor Mike Farrell of M*A*S*H, Richard Montoya of the performance troupe Culture Clash, State Senator Holly Mitchell, L.A. County Supervisors Sheila Kuehl, Hilda Solis, and Mark Ridley-Thomas, Dr. Paul Song of Courage Campaign and Campaign for a Healthy CA, Rusty Hicks of the L.A. County Federation of Labor, and powerful testimonies from patients, seniors, nurses and more.

For the kids, there will be facepaint, balloon making and other activities. Buses are available for those coming from San Diego, Orange County, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, West L.A., and Bakersfield. Visit Facebook, Eventbrite or call 800.745.3090 for more information. The event goes from 4 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at Los Angeles Trade–Technical College, 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, 90015. Free.