The Evolution of Health Insurance in America: A Look at the Past, Present, and Future of an Increasingly Dynamic Industry

From the origins of health insurance in the form of 20th century accident insurance to the widespread ramifications of the recent passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the health insurance industry in America has undergone an unprecedented amount of change throughout its relatively short history. Over the past century, rising medical costs as well as an increased demand for medical care have led to the rapid growth of the health insurance industry. What began as a relatively simple system has grown increasingly complex with the introduction of new plan designs and increasing government reform to accommodate the dynamic nature of healthcare. The goal of this thesis is to outline the evolution of health insurance in America by providing insight into the past, present, and future of this industry. This thesis will follow the evolution of health care from its inception to its current state in light of the passage of PPACA. Special attention will be devoted to changes in plan design, the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the recent passage of PPACA