July marks the 60th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid and the Older Americans Act (OAA)

July marks the 60th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid and the Older Americans Act (OAA), three pillars of public policy that revolutionized the health and well-being of older adults in the United States. These essential federal programs help older adults and their caregivers access needed health care, long-term services, home- and community-based support, and much more. They are lifelines that keep people and communities healthy and vibrant.

This anniversary comes at a challenging time. The passage of the administration’s tax and spending bill puts access to these vital programs at risk, potentially weakening the care and support that millions of older adults rely upon. As we reflect on their legacy at a critical time in their history, The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) remains committed to working with public and private partners to strengthen these programs and policies. They are critical to fulfilling promises to help create a society where we can all thrive as we age.

These featured resources highlight important information about Medicare and Medicaid, and what the new law could mean for their future:

Aging Insights for Health Policy Leaders

The Alliance for Health Policy hosted a webinar exploring how Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and the OAA shaped aging in the United States. Watch the recording for expert insights and practical advice on navigating care, and join the Alliance’s July 23 summit on “Aging in America.”

Strengthening Support for Family Caregivers

A brief from the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) outlines federal options to enhance Medicare’s support for family caregivers. The recommendations aim to enhance caregivers’ experiences and improve the health of the millions of people who rely on their support.

Equipping a Network of Medicare Advocates

The Center for Medicare Advocacy’s National Medicare Advocates Alliance shares resources, best practices and key updates affecting Medicare beneficiaries to educate advocates, increase successful Medicare appeals and advance efforts to make systemic change.

Understanding Medicaid Eligibility for Older Adults

This KFF issue brief explores how 22 million people in the United States ages 50 and older rely on Medicaid and analyzes how provisions in the reconciliation bill could severely limit their access to care.

Exploring the Impact of Medicaid Spending Reductions on Older Adults

This nonpartisan briefing hosted by JAHF explored proposed Medicaid cuts and their impact on older adults and family caregivers, as well as implications for state budgets and local economies across the country. Watch the recording and access resources from the briefing.

SPOTLIGHT

The Older Americans Act

The OAA, signed into law just weeks before Medicaid and Medicare, supports one in six older adults in part by making grants to community-based organizations that provide services like home-delivered meals, caregiver assistance, chronic disease prevention and employment training.

Despite the OAA’s importance and effectiveness—especially given the reconciliation bill’s cuts to Medicaid and food assistance—its future is unclear. Authorization lapsed at the end of 2024, it was reintroduced in the Senate this June, and the Administration for Community Living (which oversees OAA programs) is slated to be moved into another agency, the Administration for Children and Families.

These resources explain the OAA and its important role in every community throughout the nation:

The Critical Role of the Older Americans Act in Aging Policy

This KFF brief analyzes OAA funding, the programs and services it provides, and the Administration for Community Living’s role in managing them.

Support for Older Adults Coordinated Across Programs

A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office examined potential overlap between services funded by the OAA and other federal services and found little duplication or fragmentation.

Enhancing Caregiver Support Through Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act

This NAC and Act on RAISE policy brief outlines why reauthorizing the OAA is critical to supporting family caregivers.

reprinted from 2025 The John A. Hartford Foundation