Medicare
Medicare was introduced in the United States in 1966 and is a social insurance program that guarentees health insurance to any American over the age of 65 and Americans with certain disabilities. It covers over 50 million Americans. On average, Medicare covers about 48% of the health care costs of the enrollee. Medicare involves four parts: A,B,C,D. Part A is hospital insurance and is automatic over the age of 65, while Part B is an optional, premium program that covers additional expenses. Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) is a voluntary program where enrollees can pay for a private insurance. Finally, Part D covers drug costs. Many issues arise with Part C and Part D, and Congress has recently cut spending towards Medicare Advantage. As America gets older, Medicare and paying for Medicare is becoming an increasing problem. Democrats and Republicans have different ideas on how to handle this issue, which is causing tension in Congress.