Medicare & Medicaid : Critical Issues & Developments

This new book presents important analyses of topical issues concerning the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Medicare is the name given to a health insurance program administered by the United States government, covering people who are either age 65 and over, or who meet other special criteria. It was originally signed into law on July 30, 1965 by President Lyndon B Johnson as amendments to Social Security legislation. At the bill-signing ceremony President Johnson enrolled former President Harry S Truman as the first Medicare beneficiary and presented him with the first Medicare card. Medicaid is the United States health insurance program for individuals and families with low incomes and resources. It is jointly funded by the states and federal government, and is managed by the states. Among the groups of people served by Medicaid are eligible low-income parents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited income.