Final answer:
Shirley Thomas likely used Medicaid during her senior years, as it provides for low-income individuals, including many seniors over the age of 65.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shirley Thomas was most likely enrolled in Medicaid during her senior years. The Social Security Act of 1965, passed during the Johnson administration, created Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is primarily for those over sixty-five and Medicaid is for low-income and disabled individuals, which includes many seniors.
Over a third of Medicaid recipients are over the age of 65, making it likely that Shirley Thomas, if she was of low income or disabled, utilized Medicaid benefits during her senior years.