Medicare Health Policy

According to the Missouri Families website Medicare is medical insurance policy available in the U.S. for people aged 65 or older and those with certain disabilities. Medicare was established by the federal government under the Social Security Act of 1965.

Original Medicare

• Medicare parts A and B are described by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as original Medicare programs. Part A covers inpatient care such as hospitals and hospice facilities. Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, such as doctors services.

Advantage

• Medicare Advantage plans are not available in all areas of the country, but are available to all original Medicare recipients, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Under the Part C policy the policy holder pays monthly premiums, but pays lower amounts for services received from healthcare professionals.

Funding

• Medicare is funded in part by a portion of taxes from workers and employers, according to the Social Security Online website. Monthly premiums are also deducted from the social security checks of qualifying persons.