This month marked the 58^th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid federal insurance programs.  These programs have given hope and security to millions of Americans that they can reliably access healthcare.

Since their inception in 1965, Medicare and Medicaid have provided life-saving insurance coverage to hundreds of millions of Americans.  These programs have transformed our nation’s healthcare system and continue to make healthcare more accessible for Americans of all backgrounds.

Today, more than 1 in 5 Americans are insured through Medicare or Medicaid, and over 40% of all births in the US are covered by Medicaid.  As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), nearly 75% of our patients are covered by Medicaid or Medicare insurance. At NHC, we have a team of Certified OHP Assisters to help connect patients with Medicaid coverage through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

These insurance programs help people stay healthy, care for their families, continue to work, and pay bills.  Medicare and Medicaid provide comprehensive coverage that addresses patients’ needs including coverage for routine and emergency care.  People insured under Medicaid report greater access to care than those who are uninsured, making these programs a necessary safety net for support.

This month and beyond we celebrate the hope, support, and security these programs give to community members nationwide and champion the accessibility of healthcare for all Americans regardless of insurance status or ability to pay for services.