What legislative acts were central to Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty?

Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty aimed to combat poverty and improve the living standards of Americans in the 1960s. Central to this initiative were Medicare and Medicaid, which were established in 1965 as part of the Social Security Act amendments. Medicare provided health insurance for the elderly, ensuring that seniors had access to medical care without suffering financial hardship. Medicaid, on the other hand, offered health coverage to individuals and families with low incomes. This was significant because it addressed major factors contributing to poverty and health disparities among vulnerable populations.

The focus on healthcare through these two programs directly contributed to Johnson's broader strategy of reducing poverty and improving the quality of life for all Americans, making them crucial components of the War on Poverty. By providing health security, these programs aimed to alleviate some of the burdens that poverty placed on families, thereby enhancing their ability to thrive economically and socially.