Today marks the 45th Anniversary of the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid. Since 1965, millions of Americans, including women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, have received health insurance through these two programs.

Americans aged 65 or older are eligible for Medicare; additionally, patients with diseases such as ovarian cancer who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance are eligible for Medicare two years after the disability begins. Generally, Medicaid provides health coverage for low income families, children, the elderly and the disabled.

Benefits for those receiving Medicare coverage will be affected by the recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with changes to include the provision of free preventive services. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance supports all efforts to provide available and affordable coverage.

To read the Presidential Proclamation regarding the anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, click here.