May 1, 2024
3 minute read
Medicare is a uniquely American health insurance system primarily designed to cover older adults and people with disabilities. It’s the largest health insurance program in the U.S. and is an important component of the American healthcare system. Medicare is often confused with Medicaid, another government health insurance program primarily designed for people with low-income and low-wealth. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare has income and workforce participation requirements.
Understanding Medicare
Medicare was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 and became operational the following year. Medicare offers health insurance to Americans aged 65 or older, a limited number of younger people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS.
Medicare consists of four parts:
- Part A: Hospital insurance covers hospital inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care.
- Part B: Medical insurance covers doctor’s services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
- Part C: Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and cover all Part A and Part B benefits, and often additional benefits.
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage is also offered by private insurance companies.
Why Learn about Medicare?
xrmdpc|
Find a path to becoming a Medicare. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/xrmdpc/medicar
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Medicare.
Provides a comprehensive analysis of Medicare and Medicaid, including their history, structure, and impact on the U.S. healthcare system.
This official guide provides detailed information about all aspects of Medicare, including eligibility, benefits, and payment policies.
This report examines the challenges facing Medicare and explores potential reforms to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Provides a political analysis of Medicare, examining the factors that have shaped its development and implementation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare in a clear and concise manner. It covers all aspects of the program, including eligibility, benefits, costs, and how to enroll. The book is written by a leading expert on Medicare, and it is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the program.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare in a clear and concise manner. It covers all aspects of the program, including eligibility, benefits, costs, and how to enroll. The book is written by a leading expert on Medicare, and it is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the program.
Provides a user-friendly guide to Medicare, written in a clear and accessible style.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/xrmdpc/medicar
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