50 Insights for Medicare's 50th Anniversary

As part of our recognition of Medicare’s first 50 years, we present 50 insights, large and small, known and less known, into the impact Medicare has had on our country.

1965-07-30 00:00:00

1. Medicare Was Key to Integrating Hospitals

Most people know Medicare as one of the most successful social programs in our country’s history for its impact on the health of our older citizens and those with disabilities. But did you know that the Medicare program was key to integrating hospitals?

1965-07-30 10:00:00

2. Medicare Reduced Poverty

Medicare has not only provided access to care for people who could not get private insurance, it has also significantly reduced poverty.

1965-07-31 00:00:00

3. Medicare Saves Lives

By Connie Cherba, Guardian for Medicare Beneficiary, Iowa

1965-08-01 10:00:00

4. Medicare’s Future Was Strengthened by the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

By Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare

1965-08-02 00:00:00

5. Medicare is a Sacred Trust that Must Be Preserved

By Former U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd

1965-08-02 10:00:00

6. Medicare Helps People with Disabilities

By Congressman Joe Courtney (2d Dis. CT)

1965-08-03 10:00:00

7. Medicare Beneficiaries Are Remarkable

We are continuously amazed at the courage and empathy of our clients. The plaintiffs in Jimmo v. Sebelius, a class action lawsuit, filed by the Center for Medicare Advocacy in 2011 and settled in 2013, are remarkable examples of this.

1965-08-04 00:00:00

8. Medicare is at the Heart of America’s Character

By Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (3rd Dis. CT)

1965-09-30 10:00:00

9. Medicare is Good. It Could Have Been Even Better.

Many people outside the Medicare and health care world don’t know that in 1989 Medicare was briefly, dramatically altered. The “Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act,” (MCCA) was the most significant revision to Medicare since its inception. The law increased the amount of coverage available in all care settings, established limits to beneficiary cost-sharing, and added new benefits. Unfortunately, MCCA also added a new financing model; this proved to be the law’s undoing.

1965-10-04 00:00:00

10. Medicare Helps Older and Disabled People Stay Home

Medicare home health coverage can mean the difference between an individual staying home or becoming a nursing home resident. While the Medicare skilled nursing facility benefit is very limited, for beneficiaries who meet the coverage criteria, the home care benefit can be an ongoing Godsend.

50 Insights for Medicare's 50th Anniversary

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