Older Americans
for a Single
Payer Solution
Brought to you by:
The Social Security Amendments of 1965 created Medicare
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part C
Medicare Part D
Medicare Interactive
Original Medicare
Benefits of Original Medicare
The government pays directly for the health care services you receive
You can see any doctor and hospital that takes Medicare (and most do) anywhere in the country.
You go directly to the doctor or hospital when you need care. You do not need to get prior permission/authorization from Medicare or your primary care doctor.
There are limits on the amounts that doctors and hospitals can charge for your care.
You typically pay a coinsurance for each service you receive.
Medicare Interactive
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In 1963, only 56% of 65+ Americans even had hospital insurance
By 1970, 97% of older Americans were covered by insurance
After Medicare
Before Medicare
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Moving, losing a spouse, retirement, or health issues could all affect insurance - leaving serious gaps in coverage
Almost all Americans 65+ are eligible for Medicare - regardless of other factors. The age eligibility makes Medicare portable
In 1963, only 56% of 65+ Americans even had hospital insurance
By 1970, 97% of older Americans were covered by insurance
After Medicare
Before Medicare
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
In 1963, the proportion of the elderly using physician care was only 68%
By 1970, the proportion of the elderly using physician care had jumped to 76%
Moving, losing a spouse, retirement, or health issues could all affect insurance - leaving serious gaps in coverage
Almost all Americans 65+ are eligible for Medicare - regardless of other factors. The age eligibility makes Medicare portable
In 1963, only 56% of 65+ Americans even had hospital insurance
By 1970, 97% of older Americans were covered by insurance
After Medicare
Before Medicare
Privatization of Medicare
Center for Medicare Advocacy,
Physicians for a National Healthcare Program
From the 1970s onwards, Medicare beneficiaries could receive managed care through private insurers - referred to as Medicare Advantage plans
Recently, the federal government has been experimenting with a program called ACO REACH
Enrollees of Medicare Part B (and some recipients of Part A) still have to pay premiums
Prescription medications are not covered under Original Medicare - and costs can really add up
Long term sickness can rack up bills that retirees don't have the means to pay - even with the maximum charges
Gaps in coverage force many to purchase supplemental insurance
Shortcomings of Original Medicare
Why do we say IMPROVED Medicare for All?
Because we need current Medicare to be IMPROVED
Expanded coverage to include vision, dental, pharmaceuticals, and long-term care
Remove expensive cost-sharing (premiums,
co-payments, deductibles)
No need for supplemental private insurance