Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) marked the 60th anniversary of Medicaid, a program that has provided health care coverage to millions in the state since its creation. Medicaid was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 30, 1965, and offers health insurance to low-income seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

“Medicaid has protected the health and well-being of tens of millions of Michigan residents and improved the state’s economic security,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS. “It is the backbone of our health care system and has been proven to improve health outcomes, reduce poverty, and support working families, children, older adults and people with disabilities.”

MDHHS manages Medicaid in Michigan alongside federal partners. Currently, more than 2.6 million Michiganders are enrolled in Medicaid. This includes nearly one million children, about 168,000 seniors, and approximately 300,000 people living with disabilities who rely on these services for independent living.

President Johnson signed the legislation in Independence, Missouri—President Harry S. Truman’s hometown—with both Truman and Michigan Congressman John Dingell Jr., who played a significant role in advancing the bill, present at the event.

“I am proud of the role that my husband Congressman John Dingell played when it was passed,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell in a video message. “He was one of the leaders of the bill and he was key to expanding it when we passed the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIPS, and the Affordable Care Act. On this anniversary, I want to recommit myself to continuing the fight to protect and strengthen Medicaid for the millions of people who rely on it. To make sure if you are sick you have what you need to take care of yourself, the medicine you need, and for all of us to be the voice for some who do not have one.”

During his remarks on July 30, 1965, Johnson referenced Truman’s earlier advocacy: “Millions of our citizens do not have the full measure of opportunity to achieve and to enjoy good health. Millions do not now have protection or security against the economic effects of sickness. And the time has now arrived for action to help attain that opportunity and to help them get that protection.” Johnson added: “The benefits under the law are as varied and broad as the marvelous modern medicine itself.”

This milestone comes as recent federal policy changes introduce cuts that could affect hundreds of thousands across Michigan by threatening their access to Medicaid coverage.

“For 60 years, Medicaid has been a lifeline for millions of Michiganders, providing access to health care for children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families,” said Monique Stanton president and CEO at Michigan League for Public Policy. “As we mark this milestone we should be building on Medicaid’s success not gutting it Recent federal cuts will turn back clock on decades progress jeopardizing care over 2 .6 million Michiganders threatening stability our health care system Now more than ever must protect strengthen Medicaid next generation”

Meghan Groen MDHHS chief deputy director for Health Services & Medicaid director stated: “Looking future exploring ways keep Michigan’s program strong despite federal cuts We will work legislature State Budget Office Governor Whitmer how move forward help families get heath care they need”

Since its launch in 1966 with about 600 ,000 enrollees , Michigan's Medicaid program expanded over decades — including covering pregnant women & children from mid-1980s , adding Healthy Michigan Plan (2014) which brought another roughly 700 ,000 adults into coverage . By reducing uncompensated care , supporting rural/vulnerable communities & sustaining workforce , today it covers more than one quarter state population ; three-fifths nursing home residents ; around forty percent births statewide .

For further information about eligibility or services visit Michigan.gov/Medicaid.