As of 2023, approximately 65 million people in the United States are enrolled in Medicare. Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, although it also covers certain younger people with disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Medicare is divided into different parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) that offers additional benefits through private insurance companies.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
The number of Medicare beneficiaries has been steadily increasing as the population ages, and it’s expected to continue growing as more baby boomers reach the age of 65.
