The signing of the Social Security Act of 1965 marked a significant expansion in the role of the federal government in health care. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the law, which effectively established Medicare and Medicaid, on July 30, 1965, at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri. This act aimed to provide comprehensive health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older through Medicare, and for low-income individuals and families through Medicaid. It stemmed from a recognition of the challenges faced by elderly Americans, many of whom lived on fixed incomes and lacked adequate access to health care services.

Before Medicare and Medicaid, access to health care was limited for many older adults and low-income families. The law represented a shift in policy as it sought to alleviate these disparities, addressing both the needs for preventative and curative services. Johnson’s administration viewed this expansion as not just a necessity, but a moral imperative, emphasizing that the government had a responsibility to care for its most vulnerable citizens. The initiative included funding mechanisms and partnerships with the states to establish comprehensive health service delivery systems.

The signing ceremony was significant, featuring notable figures including former President Harry S. Truman, who had championed national health insurance since his presidency. Johnson's administration underscored the importance of health care, and the law reflected a deep commitment to social justice that characterized much of Johnson's Great Society agenda. The programs created by this legislation continue to play a crucial role in health care in the United States today, with millions of Americans relying on Medicare and Medicaid for their health coverage.