Health insurance was developed to provide guaranteed coverage against preventable illness, injury, and health measures. Currently, the United States faces a major challenge: controlling the cost of health care and ensuring coverage for all. This is why it is so important for the government to develop a new health insurance plan. The purpose of this article is to explore the history of health care and the major improvements in coverage over the years. Discussion of health care reform and plans to improve the quality and cost of health care for everyone in the United States. The Birth of Health Insurance Health insurance began in the early 20th century, when America's working class faced the problem of illness and injury, leading to lost work and lost wages. The first health insurance was disability insurance. It was developed during the Civil War as a benefit paid to railroad and steamboat workers. Its sole purpose was to pay benefits to policyholders in the event of injury occurring on a railroad or steamboat. Disability insurance was not designed nor did it have the funding to cover hospitalization or other medical costs. Railroad and steamboat workers were unable to pay other medical expenses incurred in the event of illness or injury. This dilemma gave rise to the first health insurance plan, called Blue Cross. “Blue Cross began when a businessman helped a group of teachers prepay for their medical care. Teachers made small monthly payments to a hospital in exchange for medical services as needed” (Kennedy, English “Health Care” 1). This idea of ​​lending money to help people pay up front for their health care caught on quickly. Many businesses struggling to survive during this time adopted this idea middle of paper...... 1993 During Bill Clinton's presidency, health insurance issues came to the fore again. He shared the plan for national health insurance, which Congress rejected, saying it would still be too restrictive and too expensive. Several other plans were discussed during this period and, like the national health care plan, they were also voted down. Works cited by Kennedy, Particia and Marlanda English. “Health insurance: an overview. “Points of view: Health insurance (2009): 1. Points of view reference center. EBSCO. Internet. April 3. 2010.Nancy De Lew The First 30 Years of Medicare and Medicaid JAMA, July 1995; 274:262-276. Changing Times “Could HMOs Give You Better, Cheaper Health Care?” » Author unknown vol 34. Article n° 6 dated June 1980, page 29, consulted on 06/4/2010. Funding Alternatives for Fire and Emergency Services by the US Fire Administration, Section 8. 2 2000.