1. Health and Public Assistance

2. Impact of the Depression
During the Great Depression, unemployment rose to almost 25%
Unemployment, hunger, and poverty became massive national problems
Private charities and local governments could not keep up
Congress passed the Social Security Act in 1935
Today, there are two major social programs, Social Insurance and Public Assistance

3. Social Insurance Programs
Social Security
Workers pay into the system
Retirees, survivors, disabled persons, and Medicare recipients are eligible for benefits
Medicare provides health benefits to people 65 and older

4. Social Insurance Programs
Unemployment Insurance
The Social Security Act of 1935 also set up unemployment insurance
Federal and state governments provide assistance to people who are dismissed from their jobs
Employers pay a tax to the federal government
When workers are involuntarily laid off, they can apply for weekly benefits from a state employment office

5. Public Assistance Programs
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Extra help for people who are 65 and older who are blind or disabled
Food Stamps
Started by JFK, goal is to increase the food-buying power of low-income families and to help dispose of the surplus of the agricultural surplus

6. Public Assistance Programs
Medicaid
Help to pay medical costs for low-income people
Administered by the states
General federal, state, and local taxes fund the program
Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
Started during the Depression to aid families who’s main wage earner had died
Sharply criticized in the 1990s as promoting fatherless families

7. Public Assistance Programs
Sweeping Changes
During the 1990s, many changes came to the public assistance programs
AFDC was ended and replaced with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
States have a wide range in how they distribute TANF funds
Work requirements were added as well as a time limit to receive funds

8. Promoting Public Health
Health Programs
Medicaid and Medicare
VA Health Coverage
Creation of the CDC
Food and Drug Protection
Creation of the FDA