Medicare was developed as part of which federal legislation?

Medicare was developed as part of which federal legislation?

• A. The Affordable Care Act
• B. The Social Security Act
• C. The Medicare Modernization Act
• D. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

Answer: (B)

Medicare was created as part of the Social Security Act, which was originally enacted in 1935. This act aimed to provide a social safety net for the elderly, and it was amended in 1965 to include Medicare as a health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and over, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. The establishment of Medicare marked a significant expansion of federal health care programs, reflecting the government’s commitment to support the health care needs of older adults in the U.S. The other options reflect significant health care legislation, but they serve different purposes. The Affordable Care Act, for instance, focuses on expanding health insurance coverage and reducing costs for a broader population. The Medicare Modernization Act introduced enhancements to Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage, but it did not create the program itself. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known for protecting patient information and privacy, does not pertain to the establishment of Medicare. Understanding the origins of Medicare is crucial in grasping the broader context of healthcare policy in the United States.

Medicare was created as part of the Social Security Act, which was originally enacted in 1935. This act aimed to provide a social safety net for the elderly, and it was amended in 1965 to include Medicare as a health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and over, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. The establishment of Medicare marked a significant expansion of federal health care programs, reflecting the government’s commitment to support the health care needs of older adults in the U.S.

The other options reflect significant health care legislation, but they serve different purposes. The Affordable Care Act, for instance, focuses on expanding health insurance coverage and reducing costs for a broader population. The Medicare Modernization Act introduced enhancements to Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage, but it did not create the program itself. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known for protecting patient information and privacy, does not pertain to the establishment of Medicare. Understanding the origins of Medicare is crucial in grasping the broader context of healthcare policy in the United States.