President Eisenhower understood the need to improve the health care system in America, and he knew that if something wasn't done soon, Americans would eventually turn to socialized medicine. Eisenhower pushed a number of proposals during his term as president. In 1954, he pushed amendments to the 1946 Hill-Burton Act which authorized funds for the construction of new hospitals. His amendments would expand the act to include research or diagnostic centers and chronic care facilities. He also proposed a limited government reinsurance program. In his address to congress of 1954, Eisenhower spoke out against socialization of medicine.
"I am flatly opposed to the socialization of medicine. The great need for hospital and medical services can best be met by the initiative of private plans. But it is unfortunately a fact that medical costs are rising and already impose severe hardships on many families. The Federal Government can do many helpful things and still carefully avoid the socialization of medicine.
The Federal Government should encourage medical research in its battle with such mortal diseases as cancer and heart ailments, and should continue to help the states in their health and rehabilitation programs. The present Hospital Survey and Construction Act should be broadened in order to assist in the development of adequate facilities for the chronically ill, and to encourage the construction of diagnostic centers, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes. The war on disease also needs a better working relationship between Government and private initiative. Private and non-profit hospital and medical insurance plans are already in the field, soundly based on the experience and initiative of the people in their various communities.
A limited Government reinsurance service would permit the private and non-profit insurance companies to offer broader protection to more of the many families which want and should have it. On January 18 I shall forward to the Congress a special message presenting this Administration's health program in its detail."
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Th following year, President Eisenhower put forth a Special Message to the Congress Recommending a Health Program.
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