Health care reform efforts through the ages

I'm sure my fellow health writers will all have different takes and perspectives on the landmark health care reform legislation that passed in the House late Sunday. Ano has already taken a cautious approach and reminded us that yesterday's vote was only the beginning of what will surely be a long, continuous journey toward better caring for the health and safety of our citizens. But being the resident presidential history nerd of the group, I'd like to take a moment and discuss what a monumental political victory the health care bill's passage is, and perhaps the best way to do that is to revisit some past efforts by previous presidents to improve the nation's system of health care.

Teddy Roosevelt: When the progressive reformer tried to sneak in for a third term under his invented "Bull Moose Party," Roosevelt included in his platform a plan to provide universal health coverage insurance to every American. Woodrow Wilson ended up winning the presidency (partly because Roosevelt's candidacy split the vote between him and incumbent William Howard Taft). Progressives in Congress tried to seize on the universal health insurance idea, but without the support of the president, it never had a shot.

Franklin Roosevelt: F.D.R. undoubtedly helped push through some of the most comprehensive progressive legislation in our nation's history. That included 1935's Social Security Act, which ensured a safety net for elderly, disabled and sick Americans, and established the government's role as a public welfare agent.

Harry Truman: Truman made health care his signature issue, and he paid the price with Congress. He too wanted universal health insurance for all Americans. Eventually, his handlers convinced him to limit his efforts to just the elderly. In the end, his administration won a moderate expansion of Social Security, and helped set the stage for certain health-related portions of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs.

Lyndon Johnson: Medicare part A, Medicare part B and Medicaid all originated under Lyndon Johnson - programs that have been enormously influential and beneficial to those who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford health care. The government's role as a provider of health care was cemented under Johnson.

Richard Nixon: Nixon, too, took up the mantle of universal coverage; and even looked like he might be on his way there with the Nixon-Kennedy Healthcare Plan of 1974. But that fell apart with the revelation of the Watergate scandal. Health care was officially on the back burner.

Jimmy Carter: Though Carter expressed support for the idea of universal health care, the economic realities of the time made that notion impossible.

Bill Clinton: With economic prosperity flourishing during his administration, Clinton seemed determined to pass an overhaul to the health care system. He spoke passionately about it. He enlisted his wife to create a plan. Ultimately, though, it failed. Health reform eventually disappeared from the national conversation - especially when the Lewinsky scandal overtook everything.

Given that there have been so many failed attempts to enact real change to the nation's system of health coverage, it's no wonder the House erupted in cheers of "Yes we can!" when the bill secured enough votes. In addition to providing hope for millions of Americans who couldn't otherwise afford insurance, the legislation is an extraordinary political accomplishment.

Photo credit: Library of Congress