Policy Topic Search and Summary Essay

POLICY TOPIC SEARCH AND SELECTION The topic I have chosen is Medicare. The affected stakeholders associated with this topic are the elderly. Those enrolled in Medicare are referred to as beneficiaries. More than 14 million beneficiaries are now enrolled in private Medicare Advantage plans. This is a 30% increase since 2010. This is a great increase even with the payment changes associated with the Affordable Care Act (â€Å"Medicare†, 2014). Medicare is a federally funded program for people aged 65 and older, certain people with disabilities, and people with end stage renal disease. There are different parts of Medicare that cover specific services. Part A is hospital insurance; this covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B is medical insurance; this covers certain doctor’s services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services. Part C is Medicare Advantage Plans. This is a Medicare health plan offered by a private company that is contracted with Medicare to provide all of the Part A and B’s benefits. This includes HMOs, PPOs, Private fee for service plans, special needs plans, Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. If enrolled in Medicare Part C, services are not covered under original Medicare. The final part of Medicare is Part D, this adds prescription drug coverage to original Medicare (â€Å"What is Medicare?†, n.d.). The elderly are specifically affected by Medicare because for many this is their only option for having access to health care. Medicare’s future is at the forefront of a lot of people’s minds and is concerning for the elderly and those who are approaching the age of 65 and getting ready to retire. The  costs associated with keeping Medicare running are ever increasing, and many are worried that the funds and the program will not be available in the future. References Medicare. (2014). Retrieved from http://kff.org/medicare/. What is Medicare?. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/decide-how-to-get-medicare/whats-medicare/what-is-medicare.html/.