Nearly 56 years ago, Medicare was signed into law. To celebrate the upcoming anniversary, we’re sharing 5 facts about its origin and impact. But before you read on, take a moment to sign our pledge to protect Medicare for our families and for future generations.
- Although President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law on July 30, 1965, he called President Harry S. Truman “the real daddy of Medicare,” who introduced an early version of the Medicare plan to Congress in 1947.
- When the Medicare plan passed, LBJ held the signing at the Truman Library in Missouri with Truman sitting next to him — in recognition of his early efforts to expand health care access for Americans.
- President and First Lady Truman were the first beneficiaries of Medicare and received the first ever Medicare cards at the signing.
- Before 1966, roughly half of all seniors had no health insurance. Today, nearly all seniors are covered by Medicare, or Medicare and Medicaid together.
- There are approximately 1.5 million doctors, health care providers, and suppliers participating in the Medicare program.
For decades, Medicare has provided life-saving coverage for millions of people, and it’s up to us to ensure that continues for years to come. As recent budget cuts threaten Medicare, we’re pledging to protect Medicare and its legacy — Will you join us?
Gratefully,
The Coalition to Protect America’s Health Care
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