Medicare and Medicaid Essay

Medicare has had many legislative changes to modernize the program since it was first signed into law. Medicare has assisted many retirees from a financial disaster by providing benefits during a healthcare crisis. The prescription drug program has ensured seniors have access to the medications they require. Medicare has also provided care to the disabled that are under age 65. This national social healthcare program has also come under fire politically because of the extremely high cost of the program.

Medicaid and Medicare are government-sponsored healthcare programs in the U.S. The programs differ in terms of how they are governed and funded, as well as in terms of who they cover. Medicare is an insurance program that primarily covers seniors ages 65 and older and disabled individuals who qualify for Social Security, while Medicaid is an assistance program that covers low- to no-income families and individuals. Some may be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, depending on their circumstances. Under the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a., "Obamacare"), 26 states and the District of Columbia have recently expanded Medicaid, thus enabling many more to enroll in the program.

Medicare, which was first enacted by Congress in 1965, is a popular, yet failing, program because of a rapidly increasing population of retirees and their increasing costs; despite program’s flaws, Medicare is difficult to change because of the political influence of the elderly, who approve of the benefits they receive from the program. Medicare provides health benefits to citizens who are eligible for social security benefits(Fiorina, Peterson, Johnson & Mayer 2009). The program is embraced by the public, but Medicare’s increasing cost makes it difficult to sustain. Due to its popularity, the program is also very difficult to change, but without limitations the program will continue to decline in the future.

Medicare is a federally administered health insurance program that was started in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, taking effect in 1966. The Medicare program was aimed at aiding the high percentage of elderly individuals who were without health insurance coverage and thus improve their health. Originally, Medicare provided health insurance coverage for retirees and their spouses 65 years and older. However, in 1972 Richard Nixon signed the first change to Medicare, allowing for certain disabled persons under the age of 65 to participate in the program. Additionally, Nixon’s changes allowed anybody diagnosed with kidney failure who required dialysis or an organ transplant to receive coverage under the program.

Medicare is a social insurance program that is sponsored by the government (1). This was originally made for the long term care for the elderly people that needed health insurance (2). There are four different parts that are provided to the people that are eligible for Medicare. Part A helps pay for the hospitals. As Part B pays for all medical reasons; such as, physician visits, outpatient services, and the need for medical equipment. Part C, for example, deals with the care of people with diabetes, and Part D is to provide people with prescription drugs (1).

Medicare, enacted on 1965 is a government funded health insurance program which covers the elderly, the disabled and people with end stage renal diseases. With Medicare covering specifically the elderly and the disabled, the cost is usually on the higher side. Medicare has been in action since the last 50 years. Many even approve of expanding Medicare instead of ACA, as Medicare is government funded while ACA has much commercial involvement. Medicare is heavily subsidized and is universally

As the government’s role in public health remains, major changes have been put into effect, precisely dealing with long-term care. Before the 1930’s, providing care for the elderly was exclusively a local and state run industry. However, after the great depression, a growing demand was placed on providing some type of insurance for that population. The Social Security Act of 1935 was established to assist with “Federal old-age benefits” and was signed into effect by President Roosevelt on August 15, 1935. (Home, 2015) Another major impact to long-term care has been the creation of Medicaid that went into effect in 1965 and was an amendment to the Social Security Act of 1935. “Title XIX of the Social Security Act is a federal and state entitlement program that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources” Medicaid is a collective effort between state and the government to help provide insurance for eligible citizens. Among those covered under this insurance, are the elderly, disabled and pregnant. Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical care. The new changes to Medicaid are ongoing and will be put into effect as part of Obamacare.

It is important that we all understand the basics of the Medicare and Medicaid programs as we will all eventually come of age where it is necessary to seek their assistance. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief history of how the program came about, the various plans for each program, issues that affect cost and access to the programs, how the political arena is affected and finally a conclusion with final thoughts on the total information.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over the age of 65. It also covers particular people who may have a disability and people who have End-Stage Renal Disease. There are four different parts to the Medicare program. These parts include hospital insurance, medical insurance, Medicare advantage plans, and prescription drug coverage. The program, since being created, has helped to fix many different problems, as well as help the elderly and other persons to receive health insurance.

Medicare is a federal government program that attempts to medically cover individuals 65 years and older and those with permanent disabilities, the most difficult population to serve. For fifty years, Medicare has provided economic and health security for older Americans, providing access to essential medical benefits including acute, chronic, and preventive health services. While the implementation of the Affordable Care Act improved Medicare by providing additional preventive services and brand name prescription drugs for less, there are still many flaws in Medicare, such having gaps in coverage, lack of supplemental costs, structural complexity, and large out of pocket expense that prevent the program from effectively offering health coverage to many individuals. As the Baby Boom Generation ages and the longevity of the population increases, Medicare costs will rise and constitute more and more of the federal budget, crowding out other important sectors.

What are Medicare insurance? Medicare are a federal health program for an individuals between the age 65 and older. Medicare has also helped certain younger people whom suffer from some type of disability and also help individual with kidney failure and need to place on a dialysis machine or need an organ transplant. Medicare insurance was created in the year 1965 it was signed by president Lyndon b, Johnson to help those American at age of 65 who was not covered by health insurance received some type of insurance this insurance will be called Medicare . In the year 1972 Medicare starts to expand their program to people with disability and also patient suffering from kidney failure that required dialysis or needed an organ transplant to

Medicare is often best known for the label of being the service which helps those 65 and older with their medical bills. Medicare.gov, the

Medicare is a federal health insurance program. This program pays for a variety of health care expenses for people who are 65 and older, adults with approved medical conditions such as Lou Gehrig’s disease, qualifying permanent disabilities may be eligible. It is financed by payroll taxes, premiums paid by voluntarily beneficiaries, income taxes paid on Social Security benefits and interest earned on the trust fund investments.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides benefits to American citizens and permanent legal residents (of at least aged 65 and older, or who have a qualifying disability or illness (Key Milestones, 2005).

Secondly, Medicare, Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system providing funding supports and services is referred as Medicare. This was an impactful and might move and a vital moment for Canada. Tommy Douglas from The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) promised the citizens to provide them with a comprehensive healthcare system, in 1944 (Canadian Museum of History). In 1960, The CCF won the election with 38 seats out of the 58 and just a year later in 1961, the Saskatchewan Medical Insurance Act was made (Canadian Museum of History). This act was a provincially funded, universal, prepaid insurance system but the doctors did not like it and rejected government practices. A compromise was made for doctors that they will get paid fee for service basis. Patients will pay small portions which are taxes for