Medicare and Medicaid: Keeping us healthy for 50 years

Medicare and Medicaid celebrate 50 years today! In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicaid and Medicare into law. Medicare and Medicaid began as basic insurance programs for Americans without health insurance. Over the years they have continued to evolve, becoming the standard bearers for quality and innovation providing even more Americans with quality and affordable care. The Affordable Care Act has strengthened both programs: Under the health care law, Medicare benefits have expanded. Things like free preventive benefits, certain cancer screenings, and an annual wellness visit are now covered. You can also save money if you’re in the prescription drug “donut hole” with discounts on brand-name prescription drugs. The health care law also provides states with additional federal funding to expand their Medicaid programs. In states that choose to expand Medicaid, free or low-cost health coverage is available to all people with household incomes below a certain level. Learn more about Medicare and see if you're eligible for Medicaid coverage. The HealthCare.gov Team