Surprising Supporters of Federal Health Care Legislation

Imagine an extremist who adamantly opposes mandatory health insurance which will go into effect under President Obama’s Affordable Health Care Act. He is enraged by the Supreme Court decision and has threatened a violent response if forced to comply. Imagine how surprised he would be to find out several former Republican presidents also supported federal involvement in health care!

The enraged opponent might point out the "culprits;" Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton. "What else is new?" he might say. Of course, FDR made up a new national policy: all Americans have a right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health. Let FDR pay for it.

And that other Democrat, Harry S. Truman, stated, “Our ultimate aim must be a comprehensive insurance system to protect all our people equally against insecurity and ill health."

But, there are other, surprising supporters of affordable health care to be found in the history books. See if you can guess who made the following statements:

A) “Many of our fellow Americans cannot afford to pay the costs of medical care… and they are not protected by adequate health insurance… I recommend, consequently, the establishment of a Federal health reinsurance service to encourage private health insurance organizations in offering broader benefits to insured individuals and families and coverage to more people.

“In addition, to improve medical care for the aged, the blind, dependent children, and the permanently and totally disabled who are public assistance recipients, I recommend the authorization of limited Federal grants to match State and local expenditures.”

B) “Twenty-five million Americans have no health care insurance at all, and millions of others have inadequate protection. Less than half of those under 65 years of age have protection against catastrophic health costs, and almost no one over 65 has protection, .such as preventive services, mental health care, outpatient services, and medication are often excluded from coverage. Many other essential
services are not adequately covered.

"This week, the Senate Finance Committee will begin hearings on health insurance legislation that could usher in a historic reform of the American health care system… I am confident that the executive and legislative branches of the Government, in a spirit of statesmanship and compromise, can work together to resolve the problems of providing health insurance legislation which meets the needs of all Americans.”

C) “My health care plan provides insurance security for all Americans while preserving and increasing the idea of choice. We make basic health insurance affordable for all low-income people not now covered.”

Answers:

A) President Dwight D .Eisenhower

B) President Richard Nixon

C) President George H. W. Bush