Medicare,
a program of health insurance, was a policy supported by John
F. Kennedy during the 1960 presidential campaign. The issue was
popular with the Trade Union movement but
was vigorously opposed by private insurance companies. The American
Medical Association were also against the measure, describing the
measure as an example of socialism. However,
Kennedy was unable to persuade Congress to pass the measure.
After the assassination of Kennedy, Lyndon
Baines Johnson, took over the cause and it became law on 30th
July, 1965. Added to the Social Security Act, Medicare provided health
coverage for persons over 65 years of age. The insurance was financed
by increases in the social security payroll tax. Medicare offered
basic hospital care for 60 days as well as the payment of doctor's
fees.
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