Michigan officials mark 60 years of Medicaid amid growing concerns over federal funding cuts and rising health care needs.

State Leaders Reflect on Six Decades of Medicaid’s Impact

LANSING, Mich. — On the 60th anniversary of Medicaid, state health leaders and lawmakers are urging renewed commitment to the program that now supports more than 2.6 million residents across Michigan. Created under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration on July 30, 1965, Medicaid has become a critical pillar of the state’s public health infrastructure.

“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 the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). “It is the backbone of our health care system.”

In 2025, Medicaid provides health coverage to 1 in 4 Michiganders, including nearly 1 million children, 300,000 individuals with disabilities, and 168,000 seniors. It also covers 40–45% of births statewide and 60% of nursing home residents.

Medicaid’s Michigan Roots Include Dingell Legacy and National Leadership

The roots of Medicaid’s development run through Michigan. Congressman John Dingell, Jr., who represented the state for nearly 60 years, was instrumental in the legislation’s passage and later expansion. His father, John Dingell, Sr., was an early advocate for national health insurance.

In a commemorative video message, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell reflected on the program’s origins and her late husband’s role. “He was one of the leaders of the bill,” she said. “And he was key to expanding it when we passed the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Affordable Care Act.”

President Johnson signed the Medicaid bill in Independence, Missouri, with former President Harry S. Truman, a long-time proponent of universal health care, by his side.

Federal Policy Threatens Medicaid Stability, Say Michigan Advocates

While the state honors Medicaid’s legacy, current federal actions are drawing concern. Proposed cuts and administrative hurdles threaten to roll back the progress made since 1965.

“Recent federal cuts will turn back the clock on decades of progress, jeopardizing care for over 2.6 million Michiganders,” said Monique Stanton, president and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy. “As we mark this milestone, we should be building on Medicaid’s success, not gutting it.”

MDHHS officials echoed the concern, noting the challenge of balancing care delivery amid budget uncertainty. “We are exploring ways to keep Michigan’s Medicaid program strong despite federal cuts,” said Meghan Groen, MDHHS Chief Deputy Director for Health Services.

Michigan’s Medicaid Program by the Numbers: Past and Present

Medicaid’s expansion has transformed the state’s health landscape over six decades.

Key milestones:

1966: Michigan’s program launches, enrolling 600,000 residents.
1980s: Expanded to pregnant women and children.
2010: Enrollment tops 1.8 million.
2014: Healthy Michigan Plan adds 700,000 adults.
2020: Uninsured children drop to under 3%.

Today:

2.6 million enrolled (1 in 4 residents).
1 million children, 300,000 with disabilities, 168,000 seniors.
Covers nearly half of all births and most nursing home residents.
Supports rural hospitals and offsets uncompensated care costs.

Advocates Urge Action to Secure Medicaid’s Future

Health policy leaders and advocates are calling on Michigan’s lawmakers and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to defend Medicaid against future threats.

“Now more than ever, we must protect and strengthen Medicaid for the next generation,” Stanton said.

For more details about Medicaid in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Medicaid.

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