Press Release  Governor Healey Pledges to Protect Health Care on the 60th Anniversary of Medicaid

Boston — Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement today on the 60th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid Act, which was signed by President Lyndon B Johnson on July 30, 1965 and created Medicare, a health insurance program for seniors, and Medicaid, a health insurance program for people with limited income and people with disabilities, known as MassHealth in Massachusetts. 
 

“60 years ago, leaders from both sides of the aisle came together to create Medicaid because they agreed on the fundamental principle that no one should go without basic health care in the greatest country in the world because they can’t afford it. But today, President Trump has put that all in jeopardy, as millions of people are about to lose health care coverage because his new law cuts federal Medicaid funding.

President Trump is taking away health care from families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. He’s going to make premiums go up for all of us, whether you’re on Medicaid or not. Rural hospitals, community health centers and nursing homes that our communities rely on will face layoffs or closures.

But here in Massachusetts, we’re going to stay true to who we are – the number one state for health care. We’re home to the best coverage, quality and hospitals in the world. We’re going to work every day to stay that way. It’s why I’ve taken action to limit the cost of deductibles and co-pays, rejected large increases in premiums, capped insulin and inhalers at $25, and improve access to primary care, maternal health care and reproductive health care.

I want MassHealth members to know that you should continue to seek care as you usually would. President Trump’s changes have not yet gone into effect, but they will. You should know that you have a Governor and a state government that’s going to do everything we can to help you understand the changes, how they might impact you and what you need to do to protect your coverage. We are here for you.” 

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