KDP Statement on 60 Years of the Lifesaving, Democrat-Created Medicaid Program

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Today, the Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP) celebrates the 60th anniversary of Medicaid, which Democrats created in 1965 to improve health nationwide. KDP Chair Colmon Elridge released the following statement recognizing the anniversary and denouncing Kentucky Republicans for gutting the system that fuels our rural hospitals and saves the lives of countless Kentuckians:

“When Democrats launched Medicaid 60 years ago, they envisioned a country where all Americans can get life-saving care, no matter where they live or how much is in their bank account. Over the decades, Kentucky Democrats have never lost sight of that vision. When former Gov. Steve Beshear expanded Medicaid in 2014, 400,000 more Kentuckians could go to the doctor without going broke. In 2022, Gov. Andy Beshear expanded access to dental, vision and hearing coverage, giving 900,000 Kentuckians access to more comprehensive care.  

“Today, Medicaid insures a third of our state and protects half of our children from the detrimental effects of growing up without health care. But, because of a federal budget championed by President Trump and Kentucky Republicans, this life-saving care is at risk.  Hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians could be kicked off their coverage and 35 rural hospitals will be at risk of closing, taking good-paying jobs with them. And Kentucky families will be forced to travel hours each way for essential care — if they can afford it. Kentucky Democrats will never give up on our vision of quality and affordable care for every Kentuckian — even if Republicans already have.”