JFK PROPOSES HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 9, 1961, President John F. Kennedy sent a special message to the United States Congress on health and hospital care. Today, 59 years later, health care remains one of the top issues on the minds of American voters.
President Kennedy's message began...
"The health of our nation is a key to its future--to its economic vitality, to the morale and efficiency of its citizens, to our success in achieving our own goals and demonstrating to others the benefits of a free society."
JFK called for the federal government to play a key role in meeting a long list of health care problems. He said...
"Problems of health care can and must be met. Only a part of the responsibility rests with the federal government. But its powers and resources make its role essential in four areas for improving health care: social insurance, facilities, personnel and research."
The President recommended enactment of a health insurance program under Social Security that would include covering costs...
1 .up to 90% for inpatient hospital services
2. up to 180 days skilled nursing home services
3. outpatient clinic diagnostic services over $20
4. home health services for a limited period
The program would be available to persons aged 65+ who were eligible for social security or railroad retirement benefits and would be financed by an increase of social security contributions by employers and employees.
JFK insisted that his proposals were "not a program of socialized medicine" but a "prepayment of health costs with absolute freedom of choice (of doctors and hospitals) guaranteed."*
*JFK's health proposals were narrowly defeated in Congress in 1962 but reintroduced in 1963 and signed into law by LBJ in 1965. The ceremony took place at the Truman Library because President Harry S Truman first proposed a national health program in 1945. JFK made health care a national priority.
SOURCES
"Medicare Signed Into Law," July 30, 1965. United States Senate, www.senate.gov/
"Special Message to the Congress on Health and Hospital Care." February 9, 1961, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, January 20 to December 31, 1961, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, 1962.
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 9, 1961, President John F. Kennedy sent a special message to the United States Congress on health and hospital care. Today, 59 years later, health care remains one of the top issues on the minds of American voters.
President Kennedy's message began...
"The health of our nation is a key to its future--to its economic vitality, to the morale and efficiency of its citizens, to our success in achieving our own goals and demonstrating to others the benefits of a free society."
JFK called for the federal government to play a key role in meeting a long list of health care problems. He said...
"Problems of health care can and must be met. Only a part of the responsibility rests with the federal government. But its powers and resources make its role essential in four areas for improving health care: social insurance, facilities, personnel and research."
The President recommended enactment of a health insurance program under Social Security that would include covering costs...
1 .up to 90% for inpatient hospital services
2. up to 180 days skilled nursing home services
3. outpatient clinic diagnostic services over $20
4. home health services for a limited period
The program would be available to persons aged 65+ who were eligible for social security or railroad retirement benefits and would be financed by an increase of social security contributions by employers and employees.
JFK insisted that his proposals were "not a program of socialized medicine" but a "prepayment of health costs with absolute freedom of choice (of doctors and hospitals) guaranteed."*
*JFK's health proposals were narrowly defeated in Congress in 1962 but reintroduced in 1963 and signed into law by LBJ in 1965. The ceremony took place at the Truman Library because President Harry S Truman first proposed a national health program in 1945. JFK made health care a national priority.
SOURCES
"Medicare Signed Into Law," July 30, 1965. United States Senate, www.senate.gov/
"Special Message to the Congress on Health and Hospital Care." February 9, 1961, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, January 20 to December 31, 1961, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, 1962.
LBJ Signs Medicare Act
with HST looking on
Independence, MO
July 30, 1965
NARA/LBJ Library Photo
