Welcome to Real Easy Medicare with Al Kushner! In this Throwback Thursday episode, Al journeys through six decades of Medicare history to explain how past legislation shaped today’s system—and why those origins still matter for your coverage.

1. 1965 Birth of Medicare
   • Johnson signs the original law; Truman is beneficiary #1
   • Part A & Part B only; $3 Part B premium (~$25 today)
2. 1972 Disability & ESRD Expansion
   • Coverage for permanent disabilities and end-stage renal disease
   • 24-month Social Security Disability waiting period
3. 1992 Medigap Standardization
   • Introduction of Lettered Plans A–J for consistent benefits
   • 2020 discontinuation of Plans C & F for new enrollees
4. 1997 Balanc ...