The History of Medicare
Medicare History – Looking Back at the Medicare Program
The Federal Medicare program has changed the lives of millions of Americans. But the roots of Medicare history go back to our nation's early efforts to achieve health coverage for its elderly and poor citizens.
It's hard to believe, but the gradual evolution of the plans CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. offers today began more than a hundred years ago.
1902
The first U.S. workmen's compensation law enacted (later declared unconstitutional)
1915
Thirty states enacted the first major legislation to require employers to insure their workers against industrial accidents – or workmen's compensation
1935
The first Federal government health insurance bill introduced in Congress
1945
President Harry S. Truman became the first sitting president to officially endorse national health insurance
1961
President John F. Kennedy sent a message to Congress recommending health insurance for the elderly under Social Security
1965
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law
1972
Medicare eligibility extended to people with disabilities and to people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
1976
HMOs began to be offered as a Medicare option effective with the HMO Act of 1976
1983
The DRG prospective payment system began – soon after, Medicare members could enroll in an HMO or managed care plan
1997
The Medicare + Choice program (now known as Medicare Advantage) was enacted
2003
President George W. Bush signed the "Medicare Modernization Act" into law
2006
The voluntary Part D outpatient prescription drug benefit became available to beneficiaries from private drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans