Medicare is a nation-wide health insurance program, that was created in 1966 in order to provide affordable health care for millions of older Americans. Although the program is aimed at older people, the entire society benefits from it. Read this article to find out why Medicare is essential.
It’s affordable and easy accessible
The variety of health insurance providers is huge. It shows one thing, the health industry is very profitable. Otherwise, all insurance companies wouldn’t exist. Before Medicare was a thing, almost 50% of older Americans didn’t have any health insurance at all. Every time they were seriously ill, they had to either use savings of their life, ask for the help of their children or stay without any health care at all. Medicare significantly improved the situation. The program provides good coverage plans that are accessible for pretty much everyone. Of course, it doesn’t mean that health care is free, people might still have to pay, sometimes a significant amount of money, however, the accessibility and quality of health care is much better now.
It provides a wide variety of services
It doesn’t matter what your condition is. You can be sure that you won’t be left alone. You will have access to all Medical Resources and services, but this is not all that Medicare has to offer. Thanks to the program, you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for important preventive services and screenings that are entirely free. And it’s not a secret that prevention is better than cure. For example, Medicare Plan B offers free annual check-up and periodic screenings for serious cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression or even cancer. Medicare Advantage Plans also provide you with a gym and fitness membership programs to encourage physical activity. The offer is very wide, and everybody will be able to find a plan that will be perfect for their needs.
It protects seniors, but not only
Of course, the program is aimed to help older people. However, it’s possible to enroll for it even if you aren’t 65 years old. At the moment, Medicare helps over 9 million disabled people who were classified by Social Security as disabled for at least 24 months. In the past, they weren’t able to get approved in private insurance companies. It proves that everyone can get health insurance.
It’s crucial for future
Nowadays, people have other priorities. Young people are partying, and then they focus on their careers and jobs. They aren’t thinking about starting their families. According to statistics, by 2035 there will be older people than children and teenagers. Medicare funding is based on premiums paid by beneficiaries, but also from general revenues and payroll tax revenues. The fewer people work, the harder it will be to keep Medicare insurance costs low. And, it’s not a very pleasant subject to think about, but at some point, you’ll be old as well. The population is aging, and it’s one of the biggest challenges that Medicare faces. It’s essential to keep the program financially safe for future generations.
It works efficiently
When it comes to the health care system, it has to be successful and effective. And that’s what Medicare strives to achieve. It constantly tries to improve the quality of health care delivery and coordination improvement. Besides, it rewards doctors and hospitals for the quality of their services instead of the volume. That’s why you can be sure that whenever you’re ill, doctors will do everything in order to help you recover.
It allows you to choose an option that will be the best for you
There are a variety of plans for you to choose, Medicare Part A, B, C, D as well as Medigap insurance. Because of that, you can analyze all the programs and choose one that will be the best and most beneficial for you. Also, if you’re not happy with the plan that you chose, it’s possible to change it. Just keep in mind, that it’s only possible during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, Annual Election and Special Election Periods.
Medicare is arguably the most known health insurance program in the US. Unfortunately, people still don’t know much about it. Hopefully, now after you read this article, you understand why Medicare is beneficial and essential, not only for older people but for the entire society.