KFF Health News' 'What the Health?' Happy 60th, Medicare and Medicaid!
43 snips
Aug 21, 2025 Join Jonathan Oberlander, a Medicare historian from UNC, and Sara Rosenbaum, a Medicaid expert from GWU, as they celebrate 60 years of these pivotal programs. They discuss Medicare’s evolution from bipartisan support to the rise of privatization, addressing its financial sustainability myths. Rosenbaum reflects on Medicaid's journey from an afterthought to a vital lifeline for low-income individuals. Together, they explore ongoing healthcare reforms and the crucial roles these programs play in ensuring access to health for all.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Medicare Still Mirrors 1965 Design
- Medicare's core benefit still reflects the 1965 design focused on acute hospital and physician care.
- The program has not added comprehensive benefits despite aging-related care needs increasing over time.
Medicare Solved A Political And Coverage Gap
- Medicare solved both a political and coverage problem by targeting older Americans excluded from employer insurance.
- Before Medicare, about 50% of people over 65 were uninsured and commercial insurers avoided covering retirees.
Benefits Expanded Slowly And Unevenly
- Medicare's population barely changed but benefits expanded only sporadically, e.g., Part D in 2006.
- Significant gaps remain: no general coverage for long-term nursing care, hearing, vision, or dental in traditional Medicare.