1965 – Creation of Medicaid
Medicaid was created under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The program was designed to provide health coverage for the aged, blind, and disabled, as well as certain low-income families. It was part of Johnson’s “Great Society” initiative, but its primary purpose was to assist those who could not support themselves due to age or disability.
1972 – Expansion to SSI Beneficiaries
Congress linked Medicaid eligibility to recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), focusing the program on individuals who were aged, blind, or disabled. This solidified Medicaid’s role as a safety net for America’s most vulnerable citizens.
1980’s – gradual expansion
States began expanding eligibility to cover limited groups of low-income children and pregnant women. These changes were incremental and often focused on maternal and child health.
1990’s – Children’s health coverage growth
Medicaid expansion continued, particularly for children and families. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was created in 1997 to insure children whose families earned too much for Medicaid but still needed help affording care.
2010 – affordable care act (ACA)
The ACA dramatically changed Medicaid’s structure by offering states federal funds to expand coverage to all low-income adults, regardless of age, disability, or family status. This marked a major shift away from the program’s original focus on the aged, blind, and disabled.
2020’s – restoring the original intent
President Donald J. Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” sought to restore Medicaid to its original mission, caring for the aged, blind, and disabled population who rely on the program most. By reforming eligibility and refocusing funding priorities, the legislation aimed to make Medicaid sustainable and true to its founding purpose.
