Fifty years ago on July 30, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Social Security Amendments of 1965 leading to the creation of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Since their inception these two programs have transformed the nation’s health care system for the better, especially for older Americans.
Before 1966, roughly half of all seniors had no health insurance and, due to the high cost of health care, had to prioritize between their health care and their family’s financial wellbeing. Today, nearly all seniors are covered by Medicare or Medicare and Medicaid together. As a result, older Americans can live healthier lives while retaining access to affordable health care.
We hope you will celebrate this important milestone with us! To read more about how Medicare and Medicaid has transformed the delivery of health care to older Americans and all Americans alike, please visit the websites of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare, and Medicaid.
