Teddy Roosevelt who ran for president in 1912, began talks regarding a national health care program for all Americans to help defer the rising costs of American health care. However, it wasn’t until 1945 that President Truman sent a message to congress asking them to come up with a National Health care fund open to all Americans. Truman’s vision was for National health care plan allowed for Americans to get health care coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, Laboratory stays and dental care. He campaigned tirelessly to make National health care a reality, but his efforts were destined for failure.
It wasn’t until 20 years later in 1965 under President Johnson that a National Health care program was actually signed into law. However, this health care program wasn’t for all Americans it was limited to only those people over the age of 65.
As of 2017 58.5 million Americans receive Medicare insurance and Medicare covers about 20% of the total amount of monies spent on health care in the United States.
Over the years there have been many changes to Medicare program one of the most notable was that in 1972 Medicare insurance was expanded to cover individuals under the age 65 allowing many more Americans to take advantage of this National health care program.
However, while Medicare cuts down on Medical expenses for millions of Americans it is not free. This program or part B of the plan calls for the paying of premiums for medical care as well as requiring people to have a deductible and to co-pay for certain services.
In the 1980’s Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) was introduced helping to cover some of the expenses that Medicare does not cover. While the Medicare Supplement Insurance is not part of Medicare and does require people to carry a Medigap policy issued by licensed insurance carriers to which policy holders need to pay monthly premiums it does help defer some of the medical costs not covered by Medicare including paying some of those deductibles and co-pays making medical care even more affordable for older individuals.
Improvements or changes in the Medicare program and Medicare supplement insurance are sure to continue.
Medicare Plans
There are several different Medicare plans, but the three plans most people are familiar with are:
- Plan A- Under Medicare Plan A Medicare pays for hospital stays, doctor services and procedures. The procedures under this plan may include certain diagnostic test needed to determine your medical problems as well as certain surgeries. Plan A also covers Hospice care and Home health care needs.
- Plan B- Plan B covers such things as check-ups and screenings, supplies necessary for a given medical condition, ambulance services and mental health care. You may have to pay a 20% co-payment for some of these services.
- Plan D- covers prescription drugs. The drugs covered under this plan are prescription drugs are FDA approved and used to treat a certain condition.
Although Medicare and its supplement insurance programs don’t fulfill the dream of President Truman to have a National Health care program for all Americans it does provide good basic health care for millions of Americans each year.
Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com. Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans. To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!