In 1965, President Johnson signed legislation to establish Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Since then, these programs have transformed the delivery of health care in the United States. They have greatly
reduced the number of uninsured Americans and have become the standard bearers for quality
and innovation in American health care.
Chances are, you or a family member either have Medicare or Medicaid or know someone who does. In fact, about 55 million Americans have Medicare this year and more than 70 million have Medicaid in any given month. Has one of Medicare’s many covered preventive benefits helped detect cancer at an early and more treatable stage for you or a parent? Have rehabilitation services provided in a nursing home or in your own home helped you get stronger and return to
regular activity after surgery? Has Medicaid helped pay for your parent to live in a nursing home or helped you or your children get treatment for an illness?
As part of the 50th anniversary celebration for these programs, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is collecting stories of how Medicare and Medicaid have made a difference for everyday Americans.
Please visit Medicare.gov/anniversary/share-your-story
to share your Medicare or Medicaid story.
Happy Anniversary Medicare/Medicaid! With my grandma on Medicare and a brother with autism who will likely have Medicaid at some point down the road, I have seen what this legislation has done to help Americans both old and young. Also, we should also take this time to remember the late President Johnson. Without his actions, this legislation would not be here to help the American people today.