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The Affordable Care Act was signed into law, putting in place comprehensive U.S. health insurance reforms.

2003

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The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 was enacted – the most significant expansion of Medicare since its enactment. It included a prescription drug benefit.

2002

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The Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (now the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response) was created to coordinate efforts against bioterrorism and other emergency health threats.

2001

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid was created, replacing the Health Care Financing Administration.HHS responds to the nation's first bioterrorism attack – delivery of anthrax through the mail.

2000

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Publication of human genome sequencing.

1999

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The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 was signed, making it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce without fear of losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It also modernized the employment services system for people with disabilities.

Initiative to combat bioterrorism was launched.

1997

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The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was created, enabling states to extend health coverage to more uninsured children.

1996

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Welfare reform under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act was enacted.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted.

1995

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The Social Security Administration became an independent agency.

1993

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Vaccines for Children Program was established, providing free immunizations to all children in low-income families.

1990

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Human Genome Project was established.

Nutrition Labeling and Education Act was passed, authorizing the food label.

Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resource Emergency (CARE) Act began providing support for people with HIV/AIDS

1989

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The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (now the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) was created.

1988

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JOBS program and federal support for child care was created.

McKinney Act was passed to provide health care to the homeless.

1984

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National Organ Transplantation Act was signed into law.

1981

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Identification of AIDS – In 1984, the HIV virus was identified by the Public Health Service and French scientists. In 1985, a blood test to detect HIV was licensed.

1980

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Federal funding was provided to states for foster care and adoption assistance.

1979

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The Department of Education Organization Act was signed into law, providing for a separate Department of Education. The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) became the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on May 4, 1980.

1977

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The Health Care Financing Administration was created to manage Medicare and Medicaid separately from the Social Security Administration.

Worldwide eradication of smallpox, led by the U.S. Public Health Service.

1975

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Child Support Enforcement and Paternity Establishment Program was established.

1971

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National Cancer Act was signed into law.

1970