todayinhistory: July 30th 1965: LBJ signs Social Security Act On this day in 1965, US President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1965 Social Security Act into law, which established Medicare and Medicaid. Thus, health insurance was extended to the elderly and the poor. The legislation was a key part of Johnson’s ‘Great Society’ programme. He signed the bill in Independence, Missouri, and the ceremony was attended by Harry S. Truman, who had tried to achieve a similar goal during his presidency.

todayinhistory:

July 30th 1965: LBJ signs Social Security Act

On this day in 1965, US President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1965 Social Security Act into law, which established Medicare and Medicaid. Thus, health insurance was extended to the elderly and the poor. The legislation was a key part of Johnson’s ‘Great Society’ programme. He signed the bill in Independence, Missouri, and the ceremony was attended by Harry S. Truman, who had tried to achieve a similar goal during his presidency.