The Kaiser Family Foundation has produced three documentaries to mark the 40th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. The documentaries examine the social needs that led policymakers to create these programs, the expectations of what they would achieve and the reality of these programs today. Key policymakers, staff officials and members of Congress involved in the creation and implementation of Medicare and Medicaid are interviewed. Extensive use of historic video helps tell the story of these landmark social programs.
There are three documentaries; one about Medicare only, one about Medicaid only and one that tells the story of both programs. All three are included in a single DVD.
Below are some of the interviews recorded for the production of the videos marking the 40th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. Kaiser’s Jackie Judd and Alina Salganicoff conducted the interviews.
Dr. Edward Annis served as President of the American Medical Association in 1963 and 1964. He traveled across the country arguing against Medicare and in support of Medicaid. (7:26) High SpeedLow Speed
Robert Ball was the Administrator of the Social Security Administration when Medicare was passed and implemented. He oversaw a massive government effort to enroll 19 million elderly Americans in a very short period of time. Ball recalls the social and economic climate of the country prior to the enactment of Medicare. (10:04) High SpeedLow Speed
Joseph Califano served as President Lyndon Johnson’s domestic policy advisor during the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. He later served as Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in the Carter Administration. (7:52) High SpeedLow Speed
Jim Jones was the Appointments Secretary—now called the Chief of Staff—to President Lyndon Johnson. He joined the White House soon after Johnson was elected in the ’64 landslide. He later served as a Congressman from Oklahoma from 1973 to 1987. (8:06) High SpeedLow Speed
Dr. Philip Lee practiced medicine in northern California and went on to become the Assistant Secretary for Health in the Johnson Administration. (8:10) High SpeedLow Speed
Dr. Jim Mongan joined the staff of the Senate Finance Committee in the early 70’s. Prior to joining the Committee, he was a physician in the Public Health Service. (9:54) High Speed Low Speed
Lisbeth B. Schorr was assistant director of the Department of Social Security for the AFL-CIO throughout the Medicare debate. She played a key role in analyzing the legislation and briefing others on it. High SpeedLow Speed
Congressman Henry Waxman, a Democrat from California, has served in the House since 1975. He has been a key figure in efforts to expand Medicaid over the years. (7:34) High SpeedLow Speed