This timeline highlights key moments in U.S. healthcare policy — from the foundation of Medicare and Medicaid to the Affordable Care Act and beyond.
1965
Medicare and Medicaid are established under President Lyndon B.
Johnson, providing healthcare to seniors and low-income families. On
July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Medicare and
Medicaid Act, also known as the Social Security Amendments of 1965,
into law. It established Medicare, a health insurance program for
the elderly, and Medicaid, a health insurance program for people
with limited income.
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1997
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is created to provide
coverage to children in low-income families. In 1997, a significant
milestone was established in healthcare delivery for children in the
United States of America. The United States Congress made a special
provision in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The Act established
the State Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Title XXI of the
Social Security Act. This legislation was deemed at the time as
the single most important investment in children’s health care. The
CHIP does not provide universal health coverage for every child, but
rather it opened up insurance coverage for a large pool of uninsured
children.It was seen as the single largest taxpayer-funded
expansion of health care insurance coverage for children since
President Lyndon Johnson established Medicaid in 1965.
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2010
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is passed, expanding coverage, outlawing pre-existing condition discrimination, and promoting preventive care. Full Text of the Affordable Care Act and Reconciliation Act [PDF]
2025 and beyond
Ongoing discussions around universal healthcare and healthcare technology drive policy innovation. Looking ahead, technology is expected to play a significant role in healthcare reform. Telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and digital health records can enhance efficiency and patient outcomes. Additionally, discussions surrounding universal healthcare continue to gain traction, with policymakers exploring various models to ensure comprehensive coverage for all citizens