On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the law establishing the Medicare and Medicaid programs. With that, the prospects for healthier living and a more secure future brightened for millions of Americans. The Medicaid program, designed as a federal-state partnership, was created to provide health coverage for low-income families and children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with disabilities. Medicaid is highly adaptable, which is central to its capacity to rise to complex new challenges. Medicaid continues to evolve as we gain a greater understanding of how best to respond to the needs of beneficiaries; support health care providers in delivering high quality, value-based care; and modernize policies and systems to work more effectively. Today’s Medicaid, a major health coverage program that covers more than 70 million of the nation’s most vulnerable people, is a major part of America’s health care system and a driver of health care innovation and advancement.
Beginning today and for the next 50 days, we plan to highlight Medicaid’s rich history and tell its powerful story. We will reflect on the past, recognize Medicaid’s dramatic accomplishments, and re-emphasize our commitment to achieving the highest performance possible. Through our daily postings we will be highlighting the people, places and progress that represent the Medicaid program we know today. And on July 30th - Medicaid’s 50th birthday - with 50 virtual candles lit, we will illuminate Medicaid’s past and its path forward.