July 30 marks the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing amendments to the Social Security Act that created Medicare and Medicaid. Over the past five decades, these two landmark programs have provided health care for millions of Americans. But they have also been changed and improved in ways that expand access, increase quality, and control costs. This process will continue in the years ahead.
For 50 years, Medicare has helped ensure that senior citizens and those with disabilities have access to high-quality health care in the United States. Many Medicare recipients suffer from painful chronic conditions, such as arthritis, while others have experienced falls or surgeries. Most if not all of these patients look to their health care providers for pain relief.
Medicaid marks its 50th anniversary at the end of July. But for many of the approximately 70 million adults and children relying on the program, Medicaid coverage does not translate into being able to get oral health care. Medicaid resources could be spent more efficiently and health outcomes would improve if patients received dental care when they needed it.
