Which legislation promoted public health programs and old-age insurance?

• A. 1935 Social Security Act
• B. Affordable Care Act
• C. Wagner Act
• D. Medicare Act

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding of how the federal government expanded both social protection and public health through New Deal legislation. The 1935 act created Social Security, providing old‑age insurance funded by payroll taxes, which introduced a national retirement income program. At the same time, it promoted public health by supporting health services and programs through federal grants to states, including maternal and child health initiatives and efforts to improve health facilities and services. This combination of old‑age insurance and public health support is what makes this act the best answer.

The other options don’t fit this combination. The Affordable Care Act focuses on expanding health insurance access and affordability, not old‑age insurance. The Wagner Act concerns workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively. The Medicare program came later and is specifically about health coverage for older adults, not the broader old‑age insurance plus public health program framework established in 1935.