What legislation was enacted in 1965 to provide healthcare to the elderly?

The Medicare program was enacted in 1965 as part of the Social Security Amendments and is specifically designed to provide healthcare coverage primarily for individuals aged 65 and older. This legislation was a significant milestone in U.S. healthcare policy, aiming to ensure that older citizens had access to necessary medical services, thereby addressing the needs of a growing elderly population who often faced financial difficulties in affording healthcare.

Medicare offers different parts, including hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B), which cover a variety of healthcare services. The introduction of this program marked the federal government's commitment to supporting the healthcare needs of the elderly, significantly improving their access to medical care.

In contrast, other options represent different healthcare initiatives that target various groups or needs. The Medicaid program, for example, focuses on providing healthcare to low-income individuals and families. The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, aimed to increase healthcare coverage across various demographics, particularly younger populations and those without insurance. The Veterans Health Care Eligibility Reform Act relates to veterans' health services rather than the elderly in general. Therefore, Medicare is the correct answer due to its established purpose and impact on healthcare for older Americans.