1982 Hospice benefits are added on a temporary basis. Most federal civilian employees become covered. 1984 Remaining federal employees, including President, members of Congress and federal judiciary become covered. 1986 Hospice benefits become permanent. 1988 Major overhaul of Medicare benefits is enacted aimed at providing coverage for catastrophic illness and prescription drugs.
Coverage is added for routine mammography.
1989 Catastrophic coverage and prescription drug coverage are repealed. Coverage is added for pap smears. 1992 Physician services payments are based on fee schedule. Some provisions prove to be so financially restrictive when regulations are unveiled that Congress is forced to revisit the issue in 1999. Final Rule takes effect.