Which legislation established the Medicare and Medicaid programs?

The legislation that established the Medicare and Medicaid programs is the Social Security Amendments of 1965. This act represented a significant expansion of the federal government's role in health care, particularly for those who were elderly or low-income. Medicare was designed to provide health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older, while Medicaid was created to assist low-income families and individuals in covering healthcare costs. This foundational legislation marked the beginning of these vital programs that serve millions of Americans today, significantly impacting public health policy and access to healthcare services.

In contrast, the other acts mentioned focus on different aspects of healthcare reform, addressing contemporary issues and policies but not the original creation of Medicare and Medicaid.