What demographic began to face difficulties affording healthcare by the 1960s?

The demographic that began to face difficulties affording healthcare by the 1960s was indeed unemployed individuals. This period marked significant changes in the healthcare landscape, notably with the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965, which aimed to provide healthcare access to specific vulnerable populations. However, those who were unemployed often lacked the financial resources or employer-provided insurance to pay for medical care, making their situation precarious.

The context of the 1960s reveals a growing awareness of the challenges faced by individuals without regular income. As healthcare services and technologies advanced, costs rose, further exacerbating the difficulties for unemployed individuals seeking care.

In contrast, high-income individuals typically had less trouble affording healthcare due to their financial stability. Young adults often had better access to health insurance through family plans or were able to secure jobs with benefits. Government employees generally received health benefits from their employers, limiting their financial barriers to accessing healthcare.