On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the legislation that created Medicare and Medicaid, two landmark programs that expanded access to health care for millions of Americans.
Medicare originally consisted of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), now known as Original Medicare. Over time, the program has expanded to include coverage for individuals with disabilities, people 65 and over that select Medicare coverage, those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D.
Medicaid was established to provide medical coverage for individuals receiving cash assistance. Now it serves a much broader population, including low-income families, pregnant women, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those requiring long-term care. Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal and state government. The Federal government pays a share of each state’s program costs. Medicare and Medicaid continue to play a vital role in providing access to health care and supporting the health and well-being of health center patients nationwide.