Final answer:
Medicare revolutionized home care in 1966 by offering health insurance to individuals over 65, drastically reducing the number of uninsured elderly and expanding the government's role in healthcare.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medicare became effective in 1966 and revolutionized home care by providing a federal system of health insurance primarily for individuals over 65 years old. This historic program was part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's initiative to improve the welfare of older Americans who were previously lacking adequate medical coverage. With the creation of Medicare under the Social Security Act of 1965, the elderly and certain disabled individuals gained access to critical medical services. The program allowed for two main parts: Plan A, which helped cover hospital bills, and Plan B, resembling an employer's health plan with low premiums. Despite its limitations in not covering some important services, Medicare significantly reduced the proportion of seniors without health insurance, from about 44 percent to the majority being covered.
Additionally, alongside Medicare, Medicaid was established to provide health-care coverage for the poor and disabled, with costs shared between the federal government and the states. Both programs marked a significant expansion of the federal government's role in health care, reinforcing the social safety net while emphasizing government responsibility in ensuring the well-being of its citizens.