Final answer:
The Social Security Act of 1965 introduced Medicare and Medicaid, which support elderly and poor Americans. It was part of the Johnson administration's War on Poverty and was signed into law to provide medical coverage for individuals over sixty-five and the poor. Option a is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal program that created support for older and poor Americans was the Social Security Act. Passed by the Johnson administration in 1965, this act was a pivotal moment in providing a social safety net for American citizens.
One of the most significant changes made to the Social Security Act during this time was the introduction of Medicare, which provided medical coverage for individuals over the age of sixty-five. Despite opposition from the American Medical Association, the program was widely supported by the public for its universal benefits.
Additionally, the act included amendments that expanded coverage to include self-employed persons in certain occupations and increased the number of disabled individuals eligible for benefits.
The subsequent year saw the creation of Medicaid, which allowed federal funds to be used to pay for the medical care of the poor. Together, Medicare and Medicaid formed crucial components of the Johnson administration's War on Poverty and Great Society programs, broadening the federal government's role in healthcare.
Therefore ,Option a is correct.