A Brief History Of Health Insurance In The United States
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 by adminThe health insurance history of United States is fairly interesting. The insurance market has evolved hugely over the decades. Unlike the past, health insurance quotes can be sought for almost all kinds of ailments that exist in our society. Also, the rules and regulations governing the insurance market have progressed greatly, since the time the first policy was ever launched.
Health insurance history of United States dates back to the Civil Wars. The first insurance plan was formulated during the Civil War (1861-1865). These policies were only meant to offer coverage against accidents caused during rail or steamboat travel. Later on, the plans were extended to various injuries and ailments. The first group plan offering comprehensive coverage was provided in the year 1847 by Massachusetts Health Insurance of Boston.
Health insurance quotes for individual disability and illness were first presented in the year around 1890. The first modern group health insurance policy was formulated in the year 1929. Scores of insurance providers entered the insurance market during the 1930's and 1940's due to the growing demand for health insurance policies in the United States.
A NGO called Blue Cross first provided group health plans at great discounts to consumers in the year 1932. Following which, the government formed Medicaid and Medicare programs in the year 1965. During the 1980's and 1990's, health insurance quotes rose drastically. Most employers also realized the importance of offering health insurance policies to their employees, due to which there was a huge demand for health insurance policies during that decade.
Health insurance history of United States could have experienced a major high, when Bill Clinton decided to start a health care reform plan in the year 1993, which could have guaranteed health insurance coverage to all Americans. Due to opposition from other parties, this plan was dropped. It was believed that the plan could have proved to be hugely expensive and excessively regulated.
The Bush administration made similar attempts, however the plans did not materialize due to financial problems. During Bush administration, the economy was also impacted by the Iraq wars, which took the focus away from the health reform plans. The current administration under the leadership of Obama is seeking public opinions on what should be done to address the nationwide concern about health care. Positive outcomes are expected from the current plans.
Market reports suggest that United States spends a greater percentage of its gross national product on health care reforms than any other developed nation. Despite the huge spending, it's estimated that millions of Americans are uninsured, and the spending have not produced desirable results.

