Topic 2: Medicaid and Medicare
Summarize ways in which health insurance fails, as people get older. Distinguish between Medicaid and Medicare. Determine whether your state has expanded Medicaid. Why would states choose not to participate in Medicaid expansion?
250 words with 2 references/citations
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Introduction:
As individuals age, their health insurance needs change. While many individuals rely on health insurance to help cover the costs of medical care, there are ways that health insurance fails as people get older. Additionally, for those who qualify, Medicaid and Medicare are important programs that can help provide health insurance coverage. In this essay, we will summarize the ways in which health insurance fails as people age, distinguish between Medicaid and Medicare, and explore why states might choose not to participate in Medicaid expansion.
As people get older, health insurance can begin to fail in a number of ways. For example, premiums for private health insurance plans can become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for individuals to afford coverage. Additionally, insurance plans may place more restrictions on the types of services and treatments that are covered, making it difficult for older individuals to access the care they need.
Medicaid and Medicare are two important government-sponsored health insurance programs that are available to qualifying individuals. Medicaid is a program that is designed to provide insurance coverage to individuals and families with low incomes. Medicare, on the other hand is a program that is primarily designed to provide coverage to individuals who are over 65 years old, as well as those with certain disabilities.
Some states have chosen to expand their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act, while others have chosen not to participate. States that choose not to expand Medicaid may do so for a variety of reasons. For example, some states may feel that the costs of expansion are too high or that the program is too cumbersome to administer.
In conclusion, as people age, their health insurance needs change. While Medicaid and Medicare are important programs that can help provide coverage, many individuals still face challenges when it comes to accessing affordable care. By understanding the ways in which health insurance fails as people age, and the differences between Medicaid and Medicare, individuals can make informed decisions about their health insurance coverage.
References:
1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Medicaid. Retrieved from https://www.medicaid.gov/
2. Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility, Enrollment, Renewal, and Cost Sharing Policies: The Kaiser Family Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/medicaid/state-indicator/state-medicaid-and-chip-income-eligibility-limits-for-adults-as-a-percent-of-the-federal-poverty-level/
