In what year was Medicare enacted to provide insurance for older Americans?

Medicare was enacted in 1965 as a critical step in ensuring healthcare coverage for older Americans. This program was established under the Social Security Amendments and aimed to provide health insurance primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, recognizing the need for a stable and accessible healthcare system for seniors who often faced financial challenges related to their medical care.

The introduction of Medicare significantly changed the landscape of healthcare in the United States, offering essential services and support to millions of elderly citizens and setting the foundation for future expansions of healthcare programs, including Medicaid. As a result, the enactment of Medicare in 1965 marked a pivotal moment in U.S. healthcare policy, focusing on improving health outcomes and reducing the economic burden of healthcare costs for older Americans.