Signing Medicare into Law
July 30, 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of Medicare and Medicaid—a key milestone in American life and public health. President Johnson signed this critical legislation at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri, with President and Mrs. Truman seated at his side. It was a nod to Truman’s fight for national healthcare, from 1945-1952. Although unsuccessful during his presidency, Truman created the blueprint for the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. It’s a living legacy currently enjoyed by every American.
THE WHITE HOUSE DAILY DIARY: Friday, July 30, 1965
Follow President Lyndon B. Johnson’s historic visit to Kansas City, where he motorcades to the Truman Library and signs Medicare into law with President Harry S. Truman at his side. Captions are drawn directly from President Johnson’s Daily Diary, July 30, 1965, courtesy of the LBJ Presidential Library.
2:05 pm CST: Arrived at the Kansas City, Missouri Municipal airport. Crowds were gathered to wave and smile at the President and First Lady. The day was warm and sunny and seemed to agree with the President and politicians that had accompanied him. Everyone was in a good mood.
2:35 p.m. – Upon arrival at the Library—the President and Mrs. Johnson and group were greeted by President and Mrs. Harry Truman who then escorted the President, Vice President, Mrs. Johnson into the Library. [Note: Image sourced from historical footage; clarity is limited.]
Watch Silent News Footage of the Arrival
KFEQ-TV, courtesy of the Harry S. Truman Library
2:41 p.m. – [The presidents] visited and chatted while photographers snapped pictures. Governor Warren E. Hearnes of Missouri [right] joined. The remainder of the legislators and interested persons that had traveled to Independence moved to the auditorium where the bill signing would occur.
2:47 p.m. – To the platform – in the auditorium – w/ Mrs. Johnson, The Vice President, and Former President and Mrs. Harry Truman and Governor Hearnes.
2:52-3:09 p.m. – REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT on the occasion of the signing of the medicare bill.
Following an introduction by former President Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson opened his address with these words:
“The people of the United States love and voted for Harry Truman, not because he gave them hell—but because he gave them hope.
“I believe today that all America shares my joy that he is present now when the hope that he offered becomes a reality for millions of our fellow citizens.
“I am so proud that this has come to pass in the Johnson administration. But it was really Harry Truman of Missouri who planted the seeds of compassion and duty which have today flowered into care for the sick, and serenity for the fearful.”
3:09 p.m. – The President completed his remarks (which had met w/ several applauses) and moved to the signing table. President Truman remained standing during the President’s speech and then seated himself next to the President when the President sat down. Standing behind the President was Mrs. Johnson and behind Former President Truman, Mrs. Truman stood. [Slider features 5 photos.]
The President gave the first pen that he signed the bill with to Mrs. Truman…
… and then to President Truman, and Vice President Humphrey, and Cong. Wilbur Mills … and to the other platform guests – and then the remainder of the people that had attended the ceremony walked to the platform and received their pens from the President. [Slider features 3 photos.]
Medicare and Medicaid Act (1965)
Citation: An act to provide a hospital insurance program for the aged under the Social Security Act with a supplementary medical benefits program and an expanded program of medical assistance, to increase benefits under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance System, to improve the Federal-State public assistance programs, and for other purposes, July 30, 1965; Enrolled Acts and Resolutions of Congress, 1789-; General Records of the United States Government; Record Group 11; National Archives
Watch Silent News Footage of the Signing
KFEQ-TV, courtesy of the Harry S. Truman Library
The President, Mrs. Johnson, Former President and Mrs. Truman and Vice President walked to President Truman’s office in the library. . . for more visits. [Slider features 5 photos.]
4:10 p.m. – Arrived at the airport – bid goodbye to President and Mrs. Truman and boarded Air Force One w/ Mrs. Johnson and staff. (The Senators and Congressmen that had accompanied the President on the trip down to Independence returned to Washington, D. C. in Air Force Two). 4:20 Departed Kansas City, Missouri.
Epilogue: On January 20, 1966, President Johnson returned to the Truman Library to speak at a ceremony announcing the Harry S. Truman Center for the Advancement of Peace at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He took that opportunity to personally hand-deliver the first two Medicare cards issued by the United States. The named beneficiaries were Harry S. Truman and Bess W. Truman.
America’s First Medicare Cards
More to Explore
View these photos and more, with full descriptions, here: Medicare60 Flickr Album
Explore our Medicare60 Media Kit.
President Johnson’s Daily Diary: July 30, 1966
Lady Bird Johnson’s Diary: July 30, 1966
Milestone Documents: Medicare and Medicaid Act (1965)
President Johnson’s Remarks at the Signing of the Medicare Bill
All photos courtesy of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library
