Medicaid was established as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society programs, which aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice in the United States. The legislation creating Medicaid was signed into law on July 30, 1965, as an amendment to the Social Security Act.

The implementation of Medicaid had a significant impact on Black Americans, as it provided access to healthcare for millions of low-income individuals and families, many of whom were people of color living in poverty. Prior to the establishment of Medicaid, healthcare was often unaffordable and inaccessible for marginalized communities, leading to disparities in health outcomes and limited access to vital medical services.

By providing federal funding to states to cover the costs of healthcare for eligible individuals, Medicaid played a crucial role in expanding healthcare access and reducing disparities in health outcomes among Black Americans. Today, Medicaid continues to be a vital source of healthcare coverage for millions of Americans, including a significant number of individuals from minority and underserved communities.