Which 20th-century act aimed to assure that everyone has access to quality health care?

Which 20th-century act aimed to assure that everyone has access to quality health care?

• A. Medicare and Medicaid Act
• B. Affordable Care Act
• C. National Health Service Act
• D. Public Health Service Act

Answer: (A)

Access to health care in the United States was significantly broadened in the 1960s by creating federally funded insurance programs. Medicare provides coverage for people 65 and older (and some younger people with disabilities), while Medicaid offers coverage for individuals and families with low incomes. These programs were established in 1965 as part of the Social Security Amendments and mark a major expansion designed to ensure more Americans could obtain needed medical services. The Affordable Care Act is a later, 21st‑century effort focused on broader access and affordability. The National Health Service Act refers to the establishment of the NHS in the United Kingdom, not U.S. policy, and the Public Health Service Act concerns public health functions rather than universal health-care insurance. Thus, Medicare and Medicaid best fit the idea of an act aimed at ensuring widespread access to quality health care in the 20th century.

Access to health care in the United States was significantly broadened in the 1960s by creating federally funded insurance programs. Medicare provides coverage for people 65 and older (and some younger people with disabilities), while Medicaid offers coverage for individuals and families with low incomes. These programs were established in 1965 as part of the Social Security Amendments and mark a major expansion designed to ensure more Americans could obtain needed medical services. The Affordable Care Act is a later, 21st‑century effort focused on broader access and affordability. The National Health Service Act refers to the establishment of the NHS in the United Kingdom, not U.S. policy, and the Public Health Service Act concerns public health functions rather than universal health-care insurance. Thus, Medicare and Medicaid best fit the idea of an act aimed at ensuring widespread access to quality health care in the 20th century.