Medicare and Medicaid, GCSE Coursework Example

Change is like the rest, and the World War II played a crucial role in bringing change into the US Health care system. World War II brought in particular labor market conditions in the healthcare system. Later on, these conditions brought in the unpredictable and unforeseen impacts on the development of health insurance. Thereby two significant changes came in: Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare and Medicaid comprise of government insurance programs. These programs pay for treatment medically diagnosed conditions.  Since time memorial, these programs did not cover for preventive service payments. However, in January 2005, there was an evolvement where Medicare part B program started covering the cost of preventive services. This included screening for all forms of cancer (breast, prostrate and colon cancer among other forms of cancer), diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and measurements of bone density to detect osteoporosis. The program also started offering immunizations.

The Medicare program further offers help to the aged, the disabled, and people with permanent kidney. This program is federal where patients on Medicare are entitled to benefits and care. Medicare is an exceptionally essential program helps the low-income families, as they are able to access medical care just like those of middle-income or high income. The government pops in and helps the needy in paying the hospital bills.

The two programs, Medicare and Medicaid have played a significant role in the healthcare system. The programs have enabled affordability and access to medical facilities for all. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) would offer further explanation on the changes and up to date information, for anyone desiring current information.