Lyndon B. Johnson introduced the Great Society program as a major policy shift to combat poverty in the United States. Launched in 1964, it aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice, while improving education, healthcare, and civil rights. Key initiatives included the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid, which provided health insurance to the elderly and low-income families. Johnson also prioritized education reforms and economic opportunities through programs like Head Start and Job Corps. While the Great Society had significant accomplishments, it faced criticism over funding and effectiveness, particularly as the Vietnam War escalated, diverting attention and resources from domestic initiatives.