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Medicare is an important public health insurance scheme for U.S. adults aged 65 years and over. As of 2024, an estimated 19.1 percent of the U.S. population was covered by Medicare, an increase from the previous year. As of 2023, California, Florida, and Texas had the largest number of adults aged 65 years and older.

The Medicare program

Medicare has two primary parts: Medicare Part A covers hospital care and Medicare Part B covers medical and preventative services. Both parts of Medicare are available to those aged 65 years and older under certain conditions. Medicare premiums are variable and depend on the enrollee’s income. Despite a majority of the Medicare enrollees being above the federal poverty line, there are still several programs in place to help cover the costs of healthcare for the elderly.

Opinions on elderly care in the U.S.

It is estimated that about 23 percent of Medicare enrollees are in fair/poor health. But there are lots of questions about who should pay for or help with elderly care long-term. In a recent survey of U.S. adults, about half of the respondents said that health insurance companies should pay for elderly care. However, a majority of adults also supported a long-term government sponsored health plan like Medicaid. The issue is still hotly debated and politicized in the United States.