PALLIATIVE CARE
Palliative care is a form of medical care that focuses on reducing the severity of disease symptoms in patients who face serious, complex illness. As apposed to concentrating on reversing the progression or providing a cure for a disease, this method strives to relieve pain and suffering and improve quality of life.
MEDICARE
Medicare is a government insurance program that covers Americans who are 65 and older. When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill creating Medicare on July 30, 1965, only half of America’s elderly had any health insurance. Today, those 65 and older represent the only age group in America with virtually universal coverage. The program now covers 45 million Americans 65 or older, as well as younger people with permanent disabilities.
You can find out more about Medicare through this government FAQ document.
Medicare & You
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MEDICAID
Medicaid is a government health program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources. Jointly funded by the states and federal government, it offers health insurance assistance to over 10 million poor families although, not restricted by income. Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited income in the United States however, there is an estimated 6% of poor Americans without Medicaid. Law makers fear that an aging Baby Boomer population could cause large deficits in the program due to an increase in nursing home coverage.
You can find out more about Medicaid eligibility and coverage in California through this Medi-Cal document provided by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
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