NNH's
Timeline
2002
The Health Center Growth Initiative significantly expands the number of community health centers serving the medically underserved.
1965
Medicare and Medicaid are incorporated under the Social Security Act; neighborhood health centers are established.
1966
Near North opens the doors to its first health center, serving the West Town and Near North neighborhoods of Chicago.
1972
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program begins providing cash assistance to elderly and disabled.
1977
President Carter proposes Medicaid expansion for poor children under age 6; proposal fails to come to a vote in Congress.
1974
Hawaii is the first state to require employers to offer health benefits to employees working 20 hours per week.
1986
Hospitals participating in Medicare are required to screen and stabilize all ER visitors, regardless of ability to pay.
1986
COBRA is enacted to extend health benefits to the recently unemployed.
1987
The Winfield Moody Health Center opens. Today it remains the hub of Near North’s clinical and administrative operations.
1987
The US Census Bureau estimates 31 million uninsured Americans (13% of the population).
1989
Federal budget reconciliation mandates coverage for pregnant women and children under age 6, at 133% of the federal poverty level.
1992
NNHSC opens its Chicago WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Nutrition Education Center.
2007
The US Census Bureau estimates 45.6 million uninsured Americans (15.3% of the population).
2006
Massachusetts is the first state to provide health care coverage to nearly all residents; within 2 years, the state’s uninsured rate is cut in half.
2000
Medicaid coverage is provided to uninsured women, regardless of income, for treatment of breast or cervical cancer.
1999
Near North moves into the South Side, assuming administration of the Komed (later Komed-Holman) Health Center
1997
The US Census Bureau estimates 42.4 million uninsured Americans (15.7% of the population).
1996
The Health Insurance Portability and Account- ability Act (HIPAA) sets standards for medical records privacy.
2009
Near North opens a school-based health center at Reavis Elementary.
2012
Near North serves 45,000 patients from 71 Zip Codes in and around Chicago.
2010
The Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) is signed into law.
2013
NNHSC opens its 9th comprehensive health center on the Near West Side of Chicago.
