Medicare is the federal government health insurance programme for the United States citizens who are 65 years old or older, for the disabled and those suffering from end stage kidney disease. Medicare was signed into law by President B. Johnson on 30th July 1965. It was initially created to cover the health needs of the senior citizens and those above 65 irrespective of their health or income, but along the line others were incorporated. Medicare is divided into plans A, B, C and D.
Medicare plan A helps to cover inpatient care in the hospitals, including critical access hospitals and also skilled nursing facilities, home health care and hospice care. Most people get plan A care once they are 65 years and above.
Plan B assists with paying doctors services, outpatient care and all other services not included in plan A. Such services include those of physical therapists, occupational therapists and some health care. This plan involves payment of monthly premium.
Plan C is also known as Medicare Advantage Plans. PPO's and HMO's are health plan options approved by Medicare and are managed by private companies. Their main advantage is the lower cost of services or reduced premiums.
Plan D assists in paying for prescription drugs. It is voluntary and involves payment of premiums and the premium cost depends on the prescription drug plan chosen.
In conclusion, Medicare, a laudable federal government programme to cater for the health of her senior citizens has served the people well, though it has been fraught with various challenges, prominent among them is the issue of fraud which has contributed in part to the skyrocketing amounts used in maintaining the scheme. The various ways fraud is perpetrated needs to be checked to allow for sustainability of the scheme.
References
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Harry S. Truman, Library and Museum. (n.d.). This Day in Truman History, July 30, 1965. Retrieved 4 25, 2012, from Harry S. Truman, Library and Museum: http://www.trumanlibrary.org/medicarebill.htm
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