LibGuides: Medicare: Background Information

Background Information

Enacted in 1965, Medicare began as a program to provide health care to seniors 65 years and older and was later expanded to include coverage for individuals with disabilities. Use the following sources to learn more about Medicare and the debate about whether or not reforms to Medicare should be enacted.

CQ Researcher
Provides topic overviews, background, current relevance and issues, and bibliography for further research.

Encyclopedia of Public Health
Provides a brief summary of the Medicare program including who is covered under Medicare, proposed reforms to the program, emergency care, and administration of the program. Contains bibliography.
The Encyclopedia of Elder Care
Includes "evidence-based contributions of more than 260 nationally recognized geriatric healthcare professionals regarding elder-care concerns relating to society, community, caregiving, and the individual."
The Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery and Medical Tests
Contains a reference section on Medicare as the insurance program relates to patients paying for their health care services.