when was the idea of national health care insurance first debated in the united states
History of health care reform in the United States In the first 10â€“15 years of the 20th century Progressivism was influencing both Europe and the United States.[5] Many European countries were passing the first social welfare acts and forming the basis for compulsory government-run or voluntary subsidized health care programs.[6] The United Kingdom passed the National Insurance Act of 1911 that provided medical care and replacement of some lost wages if a worker became ill. It did not, however, cover spouses or dependents. U.S. efforts to achieve universal coverage began with progressive health care reformers who supported Theodore Roosevelt for President in 1912, though he was defeated.[7] Progressives campaigned unsuccessfully for sickness insurance guaranteed by the states.[8] A unique American history of decentralization in government, limited government, and a tradition of classical liberalism are all possible explanations for the suspicion around the idea of compulsory government-run insurance.[6] The American Medical Association (AMA) was also deeply and vocally opposed to the idea,[8] which it labeled "socialized medicine". In addition, many urban US workers already had access to sickness insurance through employer-based sickness funds.
History of insurance The sale of life insurance in the U.S. began in the late 1760s. The Presbyterian Synods in Philadelphia and New York founded the Corporation for Relief of Poor and Distressed Widows and Children of Presbyterian Ministers in 1759;[26] Episcopalian priests created a comparable relief fund in 1769. Between 1787 and 1837 more than two dozen life insurance companies were started, but fewer than half a dozen survived.