Description:

Lyndon Johnson
Washington, DC, November 7, 1968
LBJ on Healthcare: "…I hold Medicare and other health programs close to my heart."
TLS

A typed letter signed by the President as "Lyndon B. Johnson", discussing the importance of Medicare and other health programs. 1p on White House stationery, measuring 6.75" x 9", Washington, D.C., November 7, 1968. Written during his last weeks in office and addressed to Dr. William R. Coleman, a San Bernadino optometrist, Johnson seemingly reflects on his legacy to the American healthcare system. Accompanied by its original mailing envelope, postmarked November 9, 1968. Negligible handling creases present along the lower margin, else near fine.

Reading in full:

"I am grateful to you for your thoughtful note, and for your generous words of support and encouragement.
As you know, I hold Medicare and other health programs close to my heart. No opportunity has meant more to me than my chance to advance the health of our people.
It is gratifying to me that you feel as I do, and I appreciate deeply your writing to tell me so."

As this letter suggests, Johnson's greatest achievement in healthcare reform was signing into law the Medicare and Medicaid Act of July 30, 1965. This resulted in one program of health insurance for persons aged 65 and older, and another providing health insurance for people with limited income funded by state and federal sources, respectively. The Bill received bipartisan support and indeed, in its first three years, saw nearly 20 million beneficiaries.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 6.75" x 9"
  • Medium: TLS

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March 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
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University Archives

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