NASW Foundation National Programs

NASW Social Work Pioneers^®

Pearl Bierman

Pearl Bierman, after local experience in administration of medical care services for general assistance recipients, planned and administered Illinois' first state-wide medical assistance program for recipients of the federal-state assistance programs. In 1952 she became Medical Care Consultant for the American Public Welfare Association and for nine years, she assisted states and localities in developing and improving their medical assistance programs, so that many of them were able to take early advantage of the federal Medicaid legislation enacted in 1965.

In 1961, Bierman became an assistant branch chief at the Public Health Service, and participated in the planning which resulted in the 1965 Medicare and Medicaid legislation. As Director of the Division of Medical Care Standards, she was responsible for standard setting activities, primarily for Medicare, but also affecting Medicaid.