Sixty Years of Medicaid: But Who’s Being Left Behind?

July 30 marks the monumental 60th anniversary of Medicaid, a vital program providing health care coverage to millions in the U.S. since 1965. It was established with the commitment that medical care should be accessible to all, regardless of income or location. However, this promise faces significant threats, particularly impacting BIPOC, immigrant, and rural communities that depend on Medicaid the most.Recent legislation signed by the President included severe Medicaid cuts slated to commence in 2027, undermining access to coverage for many, especially those already at risk. Medicaid serves as a critical resource, covering 42% of births and over 75% of publicly funded family planning services, especially in rural areas where health care access is scarce.The impending cuts disproportionately affect immigrant families, intensifying existing disparities in care access. At the Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project, we witness firsthand the challenges faced by pregnant individuals in underserved regions. As we celebrate Medicaid's legacy, advocacy for strengthening this essential lifeline remains imperative.