The historical development of federal involvement in health care.

Abstract

In this historical summary of the federal role in health care, three time periods are described: 1) the late 1700's to 1940; 2) 1941 to 1964; and, 3) 1965 to the present. Significant legislation and federal programs are reviewed. The purpose of this overview is to provide health professionals with an historical perspective and to increase their knowledge of current and future events in the rapidly changing health care delivery system in the United States.