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Wilhelm Roentgen Discovers X-Rays
Wilhelm Roentgen discovered a new electromagnetic radiation form. This new form, called X-rays, allowed the inside of the body to be viewed superficially. This meant no need to "cut in" to view. The first ever X-ray Wilhelm took was his wife's hand. The X-ray was able to show her individual bones, and even her wedding ring! This discovery made Wilhelm famous. Roentgen won the first Noble prize for physics in 1901. The X-ray is still used today (The nobel prize in physics 1901). -
Typhoid Mary
Typhoid fever was rampant in the early 1900's. Typhoid Mary, a cook, was believed to have caused over 50 cases of typhoid fever. She was a chronic carrier of the disease and infected the people/places she worked. She worked under many names and moved a lot. She was even confined by health officials from 1907 to 1910. However, she disappeared when released. This taught health officials the importance of tracking carriers. It also showed that typhoid carriers shouldn't handle food (Merrill, 2021). -
Bayer Hospital Insurance
Baylor Hospital was the first place that health insurance was formed. The "Bayer Plan" was established to help citizens afford hospital care. This was especially important with the Great Depression occurring during this time. This was the first prepaid insurance plan and would eventually become Blue Cross/Blue Shield and help insurance millions (A moment in history – baylor scott & white healthcare professionals blog). -
Social Security Act Passed
The Social Security Act was passed by congress in 1935. This act included grants for child health and maternal health. It also included public assistance for those who were over 65 years of age. This act also payed retired workers (over 65) so that they may have a continued income even after retirement. This helped individuals get the medical care they need, and allowed older Americans to have an income and insurance (Timeline: History of Health Reform in the U.S.). -
Water Fluoridation
Fluoride is often used in drinking water to prevent tooth decay. In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first city to implement water fluoridation. More research was conducted and other cities began the process of fluoridation. Today, nearly 75% of Americans have access to fluoridated water. The CDC considers this movement as one of the greatest public health achievements through the 20th century (Fluoridated water). -
Hill-Burton Act Passes
The Hill-Burton Act was passed in 1946. It's aim was to fund the construction of hospitals in the United States. This law also required all hospitals to provide reasonable volumes of "charitable care". It also provided a fundamental basis of discrimination prohibition. It prohibited discrimination based on race, origin, or religion (Timeline: History of Health Reform in the U.S). -
The Framingham Heart Study
In 1948, a study on cardiovascular disease was started in Framingham, Massachusetts. The goal in the this study was to understand what risk factors contributed to heart disease. This study was conducted over a 30 year period, and the participants were given a physical every year. The study found that high blood pressure and cholesterol are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (Merrill, 2021). -
Family Planning/Contraception Developments & Funding
Contraception was not super common before the 1960's. There were very few contraception options. They were inconvenient, not accessible, and didn't work all the time. By 1960, modern contraceptive methods had been developed. In the 70's, family planning was given federal funding through the Title X program. This allowed women their own autonomy. It provided more effective birth control. Family planning is more common today (Overview of family planning in the United States). -
Medicare and Medicaid Signed into Law
Probably one of the most important events in modern public health/epidemiology, was the signing of Medicare and Medicaid into law by President Truman. Medicare, designed for the older population, was given two parts. Part A was designed to pay for hospital care. Part B helped pay for physician care. Medicaid on the other hand was designed for lower-income individuals. Medicaid also helped individuals with certain disabilities (Timeline: History of Health Reform in the U.S.). -
Regulation of Nicotine Marketing
Nicotine and tobacco were extremely popular before the 1970's. In fact, many people believed cigarettes were healthy for them. Cigarettes were even advertised as healthy in the past. By the 50's, efforts were done to show the effects of smoking. In 1970, Congress passed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act. This act banned the ads of cigarettes on TV and radio. However, they were allowed in paper print. Smokeless tobacco was allowed in ads until 1986 (Regulation of nicotine marketing). -
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was signed into law into law in August of 1996 by President Bill Clinton. This law protects patients medical records and history. This allowed a more private and secure plan of care for patients. This also restricted any use of pre-existing conditions in health insurance coverages. Insurance companies couldn't charge an individual more based on their medical history (Timeline: History of Health Reform in the U.S.). -
Affordable Care Act Law
The Affordable Care Act (also known as ObamaCare), was signed into law by President Obama in 2010. This law was driven in an attempt to reform the healthcare system. This Act involved a Medicaid expansion so that more poor people were covered, those with low-middle incomes were able to purchase coverage through the federal government. It also ensured that health plans can't deny coverage to people for any reason (Timeline: History of Health Reform in the U.S.).