Final answer:
In 1965, both Medicare and Medicaid were legislated as major public insurance programs. Medicare provides health insurance to those over 65, while Medicaid serves low-income individuals and families, including the elderly and disabled.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Public Insurance Program of 1965
The major public insurance program legislated in 1965 was both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is designed primarily to provide health insurance to people over the age of 65, covering around 40 million individuals. It allows seniors to choose between Plan A, mostly for hospital coverage, or Plan B, similar to an employer's health plan. On the other hand, Medicaid, also established in 1965, offers health insurance to certain low-income individuals and families, including the elderly and the disabled. Each state administers Medicaid individually, providing varying levels of benefits and service based on state-determined eligibility requirements.