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Earliest record of coverage for health services: Congress establishes the U.S. Marine Hospital Service for seamen funded by compulsory deductions from their salaries.
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Life and health insurance offered mainly through fraternal orders and guilds to their members; doctors charge an annual fee.
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First insurance policy for coverage of bodily injury due to railway or steamboat accident.
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Life and health insurance was offered mainly through fraternal orders and guilds to their members; doctors charge an annual fee.
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Labor Unions fight to make the inclusion of health plans in worker contracts widespread.Commercial (for-profit) insurance begins.
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Health care spending is now three times higher than in 1970, at $257 billlion, about 10% of GDP.
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You need health insurance because you cannot predict what your medical bills will be. In some years, your costs may be low. In other years, you may have very high medical expenses. If you have health insurance, you will have peace of mind in knowing that you are protected from most of these costs. You should not wait until you or a family member becomes seriously ill to try to purchase health insurance.
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State Government attempt at statewide
health coverage. Congress fights over creation of health
plans for small businesses. -
President Barack Obama signs landmark health care legislation. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires that all individuals have health insurance beginning in 2014.
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PriceWaterhouseCoopers predicts health care spending will reach 21% of GDP.
