MEDICARE

Medicare. A federal program — established under the Social Security Act — that provides health insurance for the elderly and the disabled. Cf. MEDICAID; MEDIGAP INSURANCE. [Cases: Health 520–554.]

“The Medicare Program is really three programs, Parts A, B, and C. Part A, the Hospital Insurance program, covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, home health, and hospice services…. Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) benefits help pay for physician’s services, outpatient hospital services, renal dialysis, speech and physical therapy, ambulatory surgery, home health services, durable medical equipment, rural health clinic services, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility services, and some diagnostic tests…. Part C, the Medicare + Choice managed care program, was established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Under the Medicare + Choice program, Medicare contracts with a wide variety of prepaid health plans on a risk basis to provide care to its beneficiaries.” Barry R. Furrow et al., Health Law § 11-1, at 538 (2d ed. 2000).

[Blacks Law 8th]