Celebrating 61 Years of Medicaid: Protecting the Lifeline for Patients with Asthma and Allergies
Published: July 31, 2026
FAIRFAX, Va. — July 30, 2026 — Allergy & Asthma Network CEO Lynda Mitchell issued the following statement in response to the 61st Anniversary since the creation of Medicaid:
“As Medicaid marks its 61st anniversary, the Allergy & Asthma Network reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting a program that serves as a vital health lifeline for millions.
Medicaid covers a significant share of the 28 million Americans living with asthma, including nearly half of all children with the condition through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It provides coverage to adults with asthma at twice the rate of private insurance. For these patients, Medicaid is not just health insurance; it is essential access to life-saving controller medications, specialist care, and emergency prevention that allows them to breathe.
Additionally, children in low-income families are disproportionately exposed to environmental allergens (dust mites, mold, pests, and poor outdoor air quality), making access to pediatric allergy care a critical patient issue. Medicaid and CHIP cover essential allergy care, including doctor visits, prescription medications (including epinephrine for severe allergies), and emergency services.
Innovation in healthcare often originates and is tested within the Medicaid program. With state demonstrations and pilot programs, Medicaid has helped bridge vast gaps in care, access, and community health outcomes for over six decades.
As we honor this landmark anniversary, our mission is clear: we will continue the relentless fight to safeguard Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations, ensuring every child and adult with asthma and allergic conditions maintains uninterrupted access to the care they need to lead healthy, full lives.”
About Allergy & Asthma Network
Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to advance patient-centered research and advocate for better outcomes, access to care, education, and treatments that lead to improved health and quality of life. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable to all, promote evidence-based care, and foster collaboration among patients, clinicians, researchers, advocates and policymakers. Learn more at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.
