By: Jose Jimenez, Program Administrator, Division of Aging and CARE Services

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law transformative legislation that would change the future for millions of Americans, establishing the Medicare and Medicaid programs.  While Medicare and Medicaid started as basic insurance programs for Americans who didn’t have health insurance, the programs have changed over the years to provide more and more Americans with access to the quality and affordable healthcare they need. This summer, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will mark the anniversary of these programs by recognizing the ways in which these programs have transformed the nation’s healthcare system over the past five decades.

For the last 50 years, these two programs have been protecting the health and well-being of people across our city and across the nation, saving lives, and improving the economic security of our country.  Nearly 91,000 residents of Baltimore are Medicare eligible, including both older adults and adults with disabilities.

Often, people get Medicare and Medicaid confused.  While they are two different programs that each help seniors, low income individuals and disabled persons with their health coverage, they can work together or individually.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage if you are 65 or older or have a severe disability, no matter your income. Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage if you have a very low income. If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid you are considered dual eligible. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid they will work together to provide you with very good health coverage.

Several other programs have also shaped our healthcare system and helped thousands of seniors nationwide. Two weeks prior, on July 14, 1965, President Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law, legislation that mandated that each state provide services and protections for senior citizens

The Older Americans Act provides millions of adults with much needed services such as nutrition, caregiving, transportation, legal services and elder abuse prevention.  In Baltimore City there are several programs that are a direct result of this important act, providing services for an estimated 110,000 older adults:

• Adult Evaluation and Review Services (AERS)provides elderly and disabled adults with free comprehensive evaluations, including medical/nursing, environmental and psychosocial assessments.
• Community Options Waiver, Community First Choice (CFC), and Medical Assistance Personal Care (MAPC) programsare three programs that work hand-in-hand to provide community services and support to enable older adults and people with disabilities to live in the community.
• Eating Together in Baltimoreis a federally funded, congregate nutrition program with a goal of promoting health, reducing isolation and providing a nutritious meal in a congregate dining setting.
• Family Caregiver Support Programprovides assistance, education and training, respite care and supplemental services to family caregivers who care for individuals with disabilities and adults age 60 and over, as well as to grandparents age 55 and older who are raising grandchildren age 18 and under. For a full list of all our programs for Baltimore city residents, please visit our

In 2015, we are also celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Social Security Act of 1935, one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history. Passed during the Great Depression, it created a variety of programs to serve many groups of citizens.

The Baltimore City Health Department Division of Aging & CARE Services invites all seniors and caregivers across the city to join us in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid on Friday, July 31 at the Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging, 4501 Reisterstown Road 

from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. This event will raise awareness of the importance of encouraging older adults and caregivers to learn about resources available to them in their community. Seniors and caregivers will also have the opportunity to ask questions about their plans and any other related matters. The event will feature Senator Benjamin Cardin and Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen, along with senior program information and vendors.