Medicare: Current Issues and Background

Medicare is an American health insurance programme for the aged and certain disabled persons. Over its nearly 35-year history, it has provided important protections for millions of Americans. However, the programme is facing a number of problems. One concern is that Medicare's financing mechanisms will cease to function in the long run. Many are also concerned that the programmes structure, which in large measure reflects both the health care delivery system as well as political considerations in effect at the time of enactment, has failed to keep pace with the changes in the health care system as a whole. This book examines the major problems that have been plaguing Medicare for years, as well as the possible solutions to them.