Georgia lawmakers commemorate 60th anniversary of Medicare & Medicaid

ATLANTA –State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) on Tuesday commemorated the 60^th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. 

Signed into law on July 30, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicare provides health coverage to seniors and people with disabilities, while Medicaid delivers care to low-income families, pregnant women, children and seniors in long-term care.

“Medicare and Medicaid are more than government programs—they are lifelines,” said Rep. Schofield. “For 60 years, they’ve helped our families stay healthy, age with dignity and avoid financial ruin in times of illness. In Georgia, Medicaid supports nearly 2 million people—including children, people with disabilities and older adults. We cannot afford to weaken these protections—we must expand and strengthen them.”

“As the cost of living and healthcare rises, these programs must evolve to meet modern needs,” said Rep. Davis. “Too many Georgians still fall through the cracks because we have failed to expand Medicaid. Let this anniversary be a reminder that healthcare is a right—not a privilege.”

“Communities of color, especially Black and Brown Georgians, disproportionately rely on Medicaid and Medicare,” said Rep. Scott. “Strengthening these programs is not just good policy—it is a matter of equity and justice.”

“Georgia has the opportunity to honor the legacy of Medicare and Medicaid by finally expanding Medicaid coverage and closing the coverage gap,” said Rep. Burnough. “This is not a political issue—it’s a moral imperative.”

As Reps. Schofield, Davis, Scott and Burnough commemorate the 60^thanniversary, they remain committed to advocating for Georgia’s healthcare needs and call on the state leaders to expand Medicaid, protect Medicare and ensure these programs are fully funded so they can continue serving future generations.

For more information about Medicare and Medicaid, click here to visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).