Medicare 101

Aired on March 10, 2022.

Established in 1965 to ensure seniors and people with long term disabilities would have access to health care as they aged, Medicare is a foundational health program in the United States, and knowledge of the program is essential to engaging effectively in health policy debates. This session will provide a brief overview of the history of the Medicare program, as well as eligibility for the program. It will also cover the four parts of Medicare, the types of benefits provided, and how physicians are paid through the program. Finally, the session will discuss trust fund solvency and recent efforts to transform the program. There will be ample time for questions.

Speaker:

• Jean Fuglesten Biniek, PhD, Senior Policy Analyst, Program on Medicare Policy, Kaiser Family Foundation