Medicare & Medicaid Act (1965)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read historical signing statement and statute (SSA.gov)

2) Why It Was Done
The Act was passed to provide health insurance for two vulnerable groups:

• Medicare (Title XVIII): Seniors (65+) and certain disabled individuals.
• Medicaid (Title XIX): Low-income individuals and families.

It was part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society programs.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before 1965, older and low-income Americans often had little or no access to affordable healthcare. Employer-based insurance and charity care dominated, leaving many uninsured.