Medicare+Becomes+Law

=Medicare Becomes Law=

Overview
In 1965, Medicare was created to provide healthcare for citizens over 65. It was a landslide victory for Lyndon Johnson that paved the way for the bill. The reasoning behind providing to people over 65 is because they were the least insured. Most people obtain healthcare from their employer, yet the elderly do not have employers. In the year 1972 coverage for the disabled was added using the same reasoning. Medicare is a federal program that is funded by payroll taxes, general tax revenue, and premiums. The constitutional basis behind Medicare is that it provides to the general welfare. Also, it falls under the commerce clause. The American Medical Association opposed the plan because it would could turn into an involuntary service that you must purchase.

Central Issue
The most important affect Medicare had on America was that it started the process towards universal healthcare. Medicare was the largest welfare program created in the United States. Over time the program has grown to cover more and more services in the healthcare industry. In 1965, many people were worried about it becoming required to have health insurance, and it appears that is going to become the truth within the next five years. It is important for people to realize how government programs start. Most programs grow over time much like the Medicare program.

Conclusion/Historical Significance
The biggest question asked today, and in 1965, is if Medicare is constitution. Did the Founding Fathers want to provide universal healthcare to citizens? Does the general welfare clause in the constitution provide enough evidence that they did? The only way to find the definite answer to this question would be to ask them. Unfortunately, that is impossible. Medicare has helped many elderly and disabled people over the course of over forty years. Fraud in the program is starting to add up, and the current congress is trying to solve the problem.