Principles of Risk Management and Insurance, 13th Edition

Medicare

Medicare is an important part of the total Social Security program that covers the medical expenses of most persons age 65 and older. Medicare also covers disabled persons younger than age 65 who have been entitled to disability benefits for at least 24 months. In addition, the program covers persons younger than age 65 who need long-term kidney dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant.

The Medicare program is complex and controversial. The present program also includes prescription drug plans and healthcare plans of private insurers. Medicare currently has a bewildering array of plans, including the following:

• The Original Medicare Plan

• Medicare Advantage Plans

• Other Medicare Health Plans

• Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

The following ...