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The original idea of some sort of widespread healthcare program can be traced as far back as President Teddy Roosevelt's 1912 presidential campaign.
However, a more serious push came from President Harry Truman in 1945. He called for a sweeping healthcare plan during his term as president and proposed his idea to Congress. However, his ideas stalled and didn't make it through legislature.
By the 1960's support was growing stronger and President John F. Kennedy created a task force on the issue.
The task force recommended that a program be put in place for Americans age 65 and older. At the time older Americans had no access to affordable health insurance after retirement. In 1962 President Kennedy introduced a healthcare plan for older adults to be paid for using their Social Security contributions, but it wasn't approved by congress.
Then in 1964 President Lyndon Johnson appealed to Congress again to create the program that is now Medicare. It was signed into law in 1965.
In recognition of his dedication to the creation of the program during his own term as president, former President Truman and his wife, Bess, were honored by officially becoming the very first Medicare recipients and were presented their Medicare cards after it was signed into law.
In 1972 President Richard Nixon expanded Medicare coverage to include people with disabilities who also receive Soccial Security Disability Insurance.
He also extended immediate coverage to people diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD)
Generally, Original Medicare covers approximately 80% of healthcare costs. Medigap, also known as Medicare supplement insurance, helps pay the out-of-pockent costs of Original Medicare, usually around 20%.
In 1980 the federal government began regulating the private insurance companies to ensure they meet certan plan standardization measures.
In 1982 Hospice care was added for people diagnosed with a terminal illness. Under Original Medicare Hospice was not originally covered.
Before 1988 everyone paid the same for Medicare, regardless of income. Today people with higher incomes might pay more, while people with lower incomes might pay less.
Additional programs were created in subsequent years to help low income beneficiaries pay for their Medicare cost.
Just a couple examples include the Extra Help Program (LIS) which helps pay for medication costs and the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) which helps pay for premiums and other costs.
In 1997 Medicare Part C was introduced as part of the Balanced Budget Act. Medicare Part C, referred to as Medicare Advantage, are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans usually work with a nework of providers. and their coverage model is similar to that of most employer based coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans must offer at least the same coverage as Original Medicare and often include additional coverage like dental, vision and prescriptions.
The Medicare Modernization Act was signed into law in 2003 by President George W. Bush. This law greatly expanded the Medicare program and established a much needed aspect to the program known as Medicare Part D, which is prescription drug coverage. Prior to this Medicare did not offer such coverage. Part D officially became effective in January 2006.
In 2010 President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law. The law made numerous changes to healthcare in America, including some to Medicare.
The law added to Medicare coverage for preventive care and health screenings at no cost to Medicare beneficiaries. The law also attempted to reduce some out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries using the Part D program.
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