Avenel Joseph, PhD, on the 60th Anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare

PRINCETON—The following is a statement from Dr. Avenel Joseph, interim executive vice president at RWJF, on the 60^th anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare. Congress established these programs through passage of the Social Security Amendments of 1965, signed into law on July 30, 1965.

These two programs are critical pillars of America’s healthcare system, providing health insurance to nearly 150 million people. But what should be a moment for celebration is instead a moment for grave concern.

When Congress established Medicaid 60 years ago, the legislation enjoyed bipartisan support. Over the past two decades, 40 states—both red and blue—have expanded their Medicaid programs, extending this lifeline to millions of Americans who would otherwise lack access to the program. These bipartisan efforts have brought America closer to a future where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to live their healthiest life possible.

Rather than strengthening and improving Medicaid, the narrowly passed, highly partisan One Big Beautiful Bill Act significantly restricted access to Medicaid. And as a result, millions of people will soon lose their Medicaid coverage, with devastating effects on their health and their communities.

The 60^th anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare is a moment for reflection and a time to renew a strong commitment to the purpose of these critical programs. If you are committed to health equity, now is the time to speak out about the devastating impacts of these cuts on the health of people, healthcare providers, and entire communities. It’s time to share the stories of what Medicaid cuts mean to families and communities. And it’s time to re-envision a healthcare system that leaves no one behind.

For more information or to speak with an expert, contact media@rwjf.org.

About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

RWJF is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to get to health equity faster and pave the way together to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.