Much has been made of the recent milestone marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In the political arena, and elsewhere, Medicare seems to get have received top billing in discussion of the two programs during the past fifty years.

But that may change going forward, even with aging baby boomers reaching their Medicare years. Going into 2016, Medicaid will be covering a record 71.6 million people with total spending coming close to $500 billion dollars. Enrollment has grown 22% from pre-ACA levels.

More than half of all Medicaid beneficiaries nationwide receive most or all of their care from risk-based managed care organizations that have state contracts to deliver comprehensive Medicaid services to enrollees. 39 states (including DC) have contracts with Medicaid managed care organizations, and 90% of all Medicaid beneficiaries live in these states.

Here's three healthsprocket lists just posted that take a look at Medicaid today and going forward:

- KHN: 5 Challenges Facing Medicaid At 50

- Health Affairs: Seven Facts About Medicaid

- Six CMS Medicaid Fast Facts

Also, here's two recent HealthshareTV videos posted regarding Medicare and Medicaid's fiftieth anniversary:

- After 50 Years, How Do We Ensure Medicare and Medicaid Longevity? from PBS NewsHour

- Celebrating Fifty Years of Medicare and Medicaid with the White House President's Weekly Address