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Definition

Medicare is a national health insurance program created and administered by the federal government in the United States to address the medical needs of older American citizens. Medicare is available to U.S. citizens 65 years of age and older and some people with disabilities under age 65.

Description

Medicare is the largest health insurance program in the United States. The program was created as part of the Social Security Act Amendment in 1965 and was put into effect in 1966. At the end of 1966, Medicare served approximately 3.9 million individuals. As of 2003, it serves about 41 million people. There are 5.6 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in managed care programs.

In 1973, the Medicare program was expanded to include people who have permanent kidney failure...