Congressman Kean Recognizes Medicaid’s 60th Anniversary, Reaffirms Commitment to Protect Program
(July 31, 2025) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07), Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08), and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) introduced a resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of Medicaid and reaffirming Congress’s commitment to preserve and strengthen the program for the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
“Sixty years ago, the federal government created Medicaid to serve expectant mothers, children, individuals with disabilities, and seniors—including thousands of New Jerseyans who have relied on this vital program and continue to do so today,” said Congressman Kean. “Since then, we have seen how essential it is to preserve Medicaid’s original mission and protect the people it was designed to help. America’s most vulnerable should never lose access to care because of waste, fraud, or abuse. By addressing these issues through the recently signed reconciliation bill, we are strengthening Medicaid and ensuring it remains a lifeline for current and future generations of Americans.”
“For 60 years, Medicaid has provided help to those in need from the disabled to children to seniors," said Congressman Evans. "It is paramount that Congress preserve access to this program for those who need it the most by ensuring that states and the federal government implement commonsense policies to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in the system. Republicans are fighting to protect Medicaid with robust eligibility checks, $200 billion in additional funding, and sensible work requirements for able-bodied working adults, so the program can continue to serve Americans for years to come.”
“As a physician, I know how critical Medicaid is for women, children, veterans, and disabled Americans. On its 60th anniversary, we are reminded of the program’s original purpose, and I am committed to preserving it for the people it was intended to serve,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “Through the One Big Beautiful Bill, we have already made important strides in eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse while ensuring Medicaid remains sustainable for the most vulnerable Americans. We will continue building on this progress to strengthen Medicaid for generations to come.”
This resolution celebrates the creation of Medicaid as a vital safety net to provide healthcare to low-income Americans who need it most: pregnant women, children, seniors, and those with disabilities. The resolution calls for Congress’s continued support in eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse to preserve this critical program for today’s recipients and future generations.
BACKGROUND:
Established on July 30, 1965, the Medicaid program was created to provide health-related coverage to pregnant women, low-income children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
On July 4, 2025, the reconciliation bill was signed into law after passing both the House and the Senate. This historic legislation delivers long-overdue tax relief to working-class Americans while also strengthening integrity in the Medicaid program by implementing regular eligibility checks and work requirements for able-bodied, working-age adults.
Read the text of the resolution here.
###