Development of Modern Medical Insurance

The construction of the Colorado River Aqueduct was unprecedented in both size and complexity, requiring the coordinated efforts of over 30,000 workers. Since every day and minute counted, the Metropolitan Water District had to find a way to provide health care for these workers and their families. The answer was a novel, pre-paid insurance program that became the world standard for efficient and effective medical care and a familiar name in Los Angeles, Kaiser Permanente.