How has the role of government changed in the U.S. health care system, and what future trends in government involvement do you anticipate?

What will be an ideal response?

• 1850–1900: Government at all levels was almost entirely uninvolved in the provision of health care except for local quarantine and sanitation efforts.
• Early 1900s: Local governments began to build and maintain general hospitals.
• Mid 1960s: A dramatic increase in involvement occurred as federal and state governments became guarantors of care for the elderly and the poor with the passage of Medicare and Medicaid.
• 1980–present: The central role of government became stronger with the rapid expansion of funds passing through both Medicare and Medicaid.
• The federal, state and local governments may continue to increase their involvement in the health care system by restraining and controlling the costs of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, preparing for emergencies and natural disasters, preventing bioterrorism, and reducing the number of uninsured Americans.