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The Social Security Act of 1935
An act to provide for the general welfare by establishing a system of Federal old-age benefits, and enabling the several States to make adequate provision for aged persons, blind persons, dependent and crippled children, maternal and child welfare, public health, and the administration of the unemployment compensation laws. -
Release of the first Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health
Luther L. Terry, M.D., the Surgeon General of the United States issued the first report warning the public of the dangers of smoking. This report required cigarette companies to issue health warnings on their product label among several other changes aimed at diminishing the use of tobacco. -
The Human Genome Project
This 13-year long research project began with the goal of determining the sequence of genes in the human body and completely mapping out our DNA. Knowing our genetic blueprint will allow us to make huge strides medically. -
Vaccines for Children Program
Providing free immunizations to all children of low-income families. -
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid were established in 2001 and replaced the Health Care Financing Administration. However, they were first signed into law much earlier. Medicare and Medicaid, as part of the Social Security Amendments of 1965, were signed into law by President Johnson. Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older. There are some exceptions for those under 65 years of age including those with disabilities, permanent kidney failure, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. -
Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act was enacted with the goals of increasing the quality and affordability of health insurance, lowering the uninsured rate by expanding public and private insurance coverage, and reducing the costs of healthcare for individuals and the government.
