Medicare, the federal health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older, has significant implications in Black history. When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Medicare program into law on July 30, 1965, it was a major victory in the civil rights movement. Prior to Medicare, access to healthcare was limited for many older Americans, especially Black people who faced discrimination in the healthcare system.

Medicare helped to address inequalities in healthcare by providing coverage for hospitalization, medical services, and prescription drugs for older Americans regardless of their race or income. This helped to improve health outcomes for many Black seniors who had previously struggled to afford necessary medical care.

However, disparities in healthcare access and outcomes still persist within the Medicare program, with Black Medicare beneficiaries facing higher rates of chronic conditions, lower quality of care, and barriers to accessing culturally competent care. Addressing these disparities continues to be a focus in ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of Black Medicare beneficiaries.