What are Medicare & Medicaid?
Medicare and Medicaid are life saving programs that ensure access to affordable health care at all stages of life. Millions of children, older adults, people with disabilities, working people, and families receive life saving care, prescriptions, and services through Medicare and Medicaid. By filling coverage gaps, Medicare and Medicaid create a more equitable health care system, breaking down systemic health inequities for generations to come.
By the Numbers
68 million people receive health care through Medicare.
36.6 million children were covered by Medicaid in 2025.
1 in 2 older Americans had no health insurance before Medicare was created.
Source: AARP
Academy Resources
- Event
On July 30, the Academy brought together social insurance champions to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Medicaid, Medicare, and the Older Americans Act and recommit to the unfinished work ahead.