What is Medicare? Home Care Path LLC

The Health Insurance for the Aged and Disabled Act Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, known as Medicare, has made available to nearly every American age 65 and older a broad program of health insurance designed to assist the nations elderly to meet hospital, medical and other health costs. Health insurance has also been extended to persons under age 65 who qualify as disabled and those having end stage renal disease. The Medicare program includes two related health insurance programs Part A which is hospital insurance, and Part B which is supplemental medical insurance. The conduct of the program is delegated by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to the administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration. Congress also provided substantial administrative roles for the States and for voluntary insurance organizations in recognition of their experience in the health care and insurance fields. The law does not permit the Federal Government to exercise supervision or control over the practice of medicine, the manner in which medical services are provided, and the administration or operation of medical facilities. The senior is free to choose any qualified institution, agency, or person offering medicare certified services. The responsibility for treatment and control of care remains with the individuals MD, hospital, and other organizations delivering service. The senior may keep or obtain other insurance as well.