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The American Association Of Labor Legislation

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The UHCA follows a tradition of attempts to ensure universal health care coverage in the U.S. During the nation’s early history of 1883-1912, there were no government health insurance programs or efforts to subsidize voluntary funds. The states were responsible for individual programs and it was left to the private industry. Some voluntary funds were available for members in case of sickness or death.
In 1915 the American Association of Labor Legislation (AALL) drafted a model bill that would give health insurance to those in the working class or making less than $1200 a year. The services included access to doctors, nurses, hospitals, sick pay, maternity and death benefits. The cost was to be distributed between workers, employers and the state. There was opposition to the AALL bill by insurance companies and other parties.
During the 1920s and 1930s, there was an increase in the cost of medical care and hospitalization. This was due to the middle class accessing health care services. The cost of medical care became a bigger portion of a family’s budget then loss wages due to sickness. The Wagner Bill, National Health Act of 1939 proposed for the creation of a national health program funded by federal grants to states. The Wagner Bill would provide health insurance for seniors but there were limitations to the bill.
In 1965, President Johnson introduced Medicare and Medicaid to provide health insurance to the elderly and low income children.

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