TRENDS IN HEALTH LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

AS GENERALLY expected, the proponents of national compulsory health insurance lost no time after the opening of the 81st Congress. In his State of the Union Address delivered to Congress on January 5, 1949, President Truman called again for legislation for a national health program—a request he made in his first health message to Congress November 19, 1945. At that time, three years ago, he said: "In the past, the benefits of modern medical science have not been enjoyed by our citizens with any degree of equality. Nor are they today. Nor will they be in the future unless Government is bold enough to do something about it. "People with low or moderate incomes do not get the same medical attention as those with high incomes. The poor have more sickness, but they get less medical care. People who live in rural areas do not get the same amount or quality of medical attention as those who live in our cities. "Our new economic bill of rights should mean health security for all, regardless of residence, station, or race—everywhere in the United States." On the same day (November 19, 1945) the Wagner-Murray-Dingell Bill was introduced as S. 1606. After extensive hearings and some modifications, a similar bill (S. 1320) was introduced in the 80th Congress by Senator Murray with the additional sponsorship of Senators Pepper, Chavez, Taylor and McGrath, all Democrats. In his message to the Democratic 81st Congress President Truman said: "We must spare no effort to raise the general level of health in this country. In a nation as rich as ours, it is a shocking fact that tens of millions lack adequate medical care. We are short of doctors, hospitals, and nurses. We must remedy these shortages. Moreover, we need—and we must have without further delay—a system of prepaid medical insurance which will enable every American to afford good medical care." On the same day Senator Murray introduced for himself, and senators Wagner, Pepper, Chavez, Taylor and McGrath a bill 5.5, "to provide a national health insurance and public health program." Two identical bills had already been introduced in the House, HR. 345 by Representative Celler and HR. 783 by Representative Dingell. All three bills are exact copies of last year's bill, S. 1320. (Copies of these bills may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D.C., or from the committees to which they have been referred.)