Medicaid is a government program that provides medical and health-related services to individuals and families with low incomes. It was established in 1965 as part of the Social Security Amendments of 1965, which also created Medicare.

In the context of Black history, the passage of Medicaid was significant for several reasons. The program was a key component of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" initiatives, which aimed to address poverty and inequality in America. Medicaid was instrumental in expanding access to healthcare for low-income individuals, including many African Americans who had previously been unable to afford medical care.

During the civil rights movement of the 1960s, healthcare disparities were a major concern for African Americans, who faced systemic discrimination in accessing healthcare services. The implementation of Medicaid helped to alleviate some of these disparities by providing coverage for essential medical services to those in need.

Overall, the establishment of Medicaid was a crucial step towards achieving greater equity in healthcare access for all Americans, including African Americans. Its passage marked a significant moment in Black history as part of the broader struggle for civil rights and social justice.