50 Years of Medicare: More than 55 million Americans covered by Medicare

Medicare and Medicaid celebrate the 50^th anniversary of protecting the well being and health of seniors, low-income individuals and people with disabilities. On the occasion, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have released the new state wise Medicare enrollment numbers that show more than 55 million Americans are covered.

The number of Americans covered by Medicare was 19.1 million in 1966. The number stood at 52 million in 2012. Today the enrollment numbers indicate an increase of 3 million people in the last three years as the Baby Boom generation has started to retire. The beneficiaries are based on the medical program such as preventive services, critical health services, flu shots, hospital stays, diabetes screening, lab tests and unavoidable supplies like prescription drugs and wheelchairs.

Medicare is now a part of the American community, ensuring wellbeing and financial security of families if they are disabled or aged. Medicare is focused on building better systems to keep the American population healthier. Till May 2015, more than 71.6 million individuals are enrolled in CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Programs) and Medicaid, which shows that more than 12.8 million have gained coverage since 2013.  Read more information about Medicare enrollment on Medicaid.gov. The state wise enrollment numbers in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Part D (prescription drug plan) given by CMS:

Latest state-by-state enrollment numbers