ABSTRACT
The 1960s saw a dramatic expansion in social programs. Civil rights, women’s rights, educational opportunities, and improved housing and healthcare for citizens were the battle cries of a social revolution as the federal government attempted to enlarge individual opportunities. In the health field, providing access to decent healthcare became the primary goal of the federal government. The role of the government-that is, the public sector-in healthcare expanded considerably as it created public health insurance programs as a social safety net to provide coverage to those who lacked health insurance in the private sector for one reason or another.
