One of the most significant events which occurred in the United States Healthcare System is the signing of Medicaid and Medicare programs into law. It happened on July 30, 1965, with the support of President Lyndon Johnson, whose attention to the problems of health among various population groups laid the basis for further elaboration of appropriate measures (Subhan, 2021, p. 152). This solution was subsequently adjusted to the actual needs of citizens by the US Congress to make more individuals eligible (Subhan, 2021). In this way, the combination of efforts in rendering high-quality medical services was critical for shaping the system into what it is today.
Initially, the decision made by Lyndon Johnson was limited to the pre-determined areas of work. They are referred to as Part A, “Hospital Insurance,” and Part B, “Medical Insurance,” and their role is crucial for the emergence of other solutions in the context of the global project based on them (Subhan, 2021). Over time, the inclusion of “people with disability, an end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplant, and prescription drug coverage” was the turning point in the progress of the specified healthcare plans (Subhan, 2021, p. 152). Hence, a wide variety of patients benefitting from them allows concluding of the particular importance of Medicaid and Medicare for the population.
Thus, the main reason why the selected event is considered the most significant in the history of the United States Healthcare System is connected to the fact that it increased medical coverage in general. Meanwhile, this factor is complemented by the focus on numerous problems to be addressed within the initiative instead of developing single plans for each condition. Taking into account that Medicaid and Medicare still exist while being helpful to many citizens depending on life circumstances, it is feasible to state their dominant importance.
Reference
Subhan, A. (2021). Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services.Journal of Clinical Engineering, 46(4), 152-153. Web.