The Importance of Medicare

Medicare is the primary health insurance policy for almost all Americans age 65 and over and people with long-term disabilities. Medicare covers only half of beneficiaries’ health care costs. The other half is paid for out of beneficiaries’ pockets either directly or through supplementary private insurance. Services not covered by Medicare include outpatient prescription drugs, eyeglasses, dental care, hearing aids, and long-term nursing home care.

But Medicare will have serious funding problems starting in about 2012—unless we take the right steps now.

Medicare Fact Sheet

Medicare and Prescription Drugs

New Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Falls Short! 06/10/03

Links & Resources