By establishing hospital insurance plans, which organization significantly altered health insurance practices during the Great Depression?

The establishment of hospital insurance plans by Baylor University Hospital marked a pivotal moment in health insurance practices during the Great Depression. In the early 1930s, Baylor introduced a plan that allowed families to pay a small monthly fee in exchange for hospital care when needed. This model was revolutionary as it addressed the lack of access to affordable healthcare during a time of economic hardship.

Baylor's program not only provided financial protection for patients but also laid the groundwork for the development of modern health insurance in the United States. It demonstrated a viable way to manage healthcare costs and fostered a shift towards pre-paid health services. This idea resonated widely and eventually influenced the broader establishment of Blue Cross plans, which spread across the country.

The other organizations mentioned were influential in different aspects of healthcare but did not play a direct role in altering health insurance practices in the same way Baylor University Hospital did during that period. The American Medical Association primarily focused on the standards and ethics of medical practice rather than insurance modalities, while Harvard Medical School's contributions were more academic. The National Institute of Health, known for its research and public health initiatives, does not focus on hospital insurance programs. Thus, Baylor's innovative approach stands out as a cornerstone of health insurance transformation during the Great Depression.