Health
"All of us are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that it is more and more difficult to get high quality health care at a price that we can afford. Some people have characterized all of the various problems associated with this situation as "the health care crisis". . . . [In 1965] we finally enacted Medicare and Medicaid so that no elderly or poor person would have to fear that they would have to choose between eating and getting decent medical care. This was an important beginning--a landmark in this nation's quest for a comprehensive health insurance program for everyone. Harrison A. Williams, Jr., "Health" position paper, circa 1976.
Health problems could be devastating to individuals and the nation in terms of financial cost, lost productivity, personal tragedy, and social disruption. In the absence of comprehensive national health insurance, Williams and others sought alternatives that expanded access to medical care, such as Medicare and Medicaid (1965) and the 1973 legislation encouraging the development of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) as cost-effective care providers. Legislation encouraged the research and treatment of various diseases including, by the 1970s, alcoholism and drug addiction.
First page of S. 1, A bill to provide a hospital insurance program for the aged under social security, . . .and for other purposes, 6 January 1965.
S. 1 was the Senate version (as introduced) of the Medicare bill. At least as early as April 1960, Williams supported the concept of extending the Social Security system to include health coverage for the elderly. In testimony before a Senate subcommittee, he noted that 9 million seniors, or 60% of that age group, had no health insurance. Compounding this exposure was the fact that 6 million seniors had annual total incomes of $1,000 or less.
Photograph, expression of support for Medicare from Jersey City, 30 August 1965.
At far left is Deputy Mayor Joseph Sesta and third from left is Conrad J. Vuocolo, Director of Tenant Relations. Other individuals in the photographs are representatives of various Golden Age Clubs in Jersey City.
Cover of Report of the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare on S. 14, Health Maintenance Organization and Resources Act of 1973, 27 April 1973.
In 1973, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) were a new concept in health care delivery and it was hoped that they would broaden access to affordable health care through their cost control mechanisms. This legislation provided an important boost to the prospects of HMOs. Among other provisions, the law required that employers with 25 or more employees offer an HMO option in their health care benefit packages.
Photograph, Harrison Williams and Congressman William Hughes (far right) at the dedication of Seabrook House in-patient facility, 18 October 1976.
The inscription from Jerry Diehl to Williams reads, “Thanks for participating in our dedication and for all you have done to make Seabrook House a reality of alcoholism treatment.” Government funding was provided to community centers and programs for mental health, drug addiction, alcoholism, and other health matters.
Letter, Marilyn J. Thompson to Harrison Williams, 25 May 1976.
The new concept of hospice care, supported by federal funding.