Social health insurance in Germany 。 In 1881,the first Chancellor of modern Germany,Otto von Bismarck,introduced a popular new national policy:universal sickness insurance. His idea was based on centuries-old practices of Prussian miners,who belonged to mutual aid societies or "sickness funds"called Knappschaftskasse. The passage of Bismarck's 1883 insurance bill is considered a foundational moment in the history of the welfare state. The government eventually extended health insurance coverage to the entire population. Bhattacharya,Hyde and Tu-HealthEconomicsBhattacharya, Hyde and Tu – Health Economics Social health insurance in Germany • In 1881, the first Chancellor of modern Germany, Otto von Bismarck, introduced a popular new national policy: universal sickness insurance. • His idea was based on centuries-old practices of Prussian miners, who belonged to mutual aid societies or “sickness funds” called Knappschaftskasse. • The passage of Bismarck’s 1883 insurance bill is considered a foundational moment in the history of the welfare state. • The government eventually extended health insurance coverage to the entire population