Sixty-one years ago, Medicare and Medicaid revolutionized access to healthcare for key populations in the United States. These landmark programs expanded accessible healthcare for older adults, people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and millions of families. They helped reduce financial hardship, supported hospitals and physicians in every community, and strengthened our nation’s public health infrastructure.
Medicaid was established in 1965 as a federal-state partnership, with the federal government matching state spending to provide health coverage initially for many low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities. The last state to join Medicaid was Arizona, in 1982. Eligibility has expanded over time, particularly following the Affordable Care Act, although adoption of expansion has varied by state. In many rural communities, Medicaid funding helps sustain hospitals, maternity services, and more.
Medicare focused on the older populations and was funded by the payroll taxes. Medicare Part A covered in-patient hospital stays and home health, while Medicare Part B covered outpatient care. In 1972, Medicare expanded to cover disabled persons and individuals with kidney failure. In 1997, Medicare Part C was added, offering private insurance plans (later becoming Medicare Advantage). In 2003, Medicare Part D was added to cover outpatient drug costs.
Today, Medicare and Medicaid serve over 130 million Americans.
Women have especially benefited from these programs. Women comprise the majority of Medicare beneficiaries over the age of 85, are more likely to serve as caregivers for aging family members, and may rely on Medicaid coverage during pregnancy, postpartum, and when caring for children or family members with disabilities.
In the past year and a half, the government has enacted new policies which will reduce funding to both of these programs, raise out of pocket expenses, and increase the administrative burden on beneficiaries to prove eligibility. These policies impact Medicare and Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans. Delays in eligibility determination, reimbursement, and healthcare financing may also affect patients’ ability to access timely, appropriate care. Reduced Medicaid funding may also affect the financial stability of hospitals, physician practices, and other healthcare providers, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities.”
We encourage physicians, healthcare professionals, patients, and community members to engage their elected officials and share how Medicare and Medicaid affect healthcare in their communities. Policymakers benefit from hearing directly from the people and providers who experience the real-world impact of these programs.
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For more than six decades, Medicare and Medicaid have strengthened the health of millions of Americans and helped ensure that older adults, women, children, people with disabilities, and families have access to essential healthcare services. Protecting access to high-quality, affordable care must remain a national priority to improve the health of women and all Americans.