NASW Foundation National Programs

NASW Social Work Pioneers^®

Lucille Martin Smith

Smith was a pioneer in the development of medical assistance programs for the needy. After a number of years as administrator of the Chicago medical assistance program, during and following the FERA period, she became chief medical social consultant for the federal Bureau of Public Assistance. In this position, she assisted states in the development of their medical assistance programs.

When Smith transferred to the Public Health Service's Division of Public Health Methods, one of her principal interests was in planning for a national health program. She was very active in the initial development of standards for Medicare, particularly in home health services, a benefit which was often attacked by opponents of the program.