Use what you learned from the module’s required readings and your own research to answer the following questions in
your paper.
1. Test your knowledge using the quiz below. Discuss your scores (your quiz grade will not impact assignment score).
APA only allows for third person. You may refer to yourself as the student.
Medicaid and Long-Term Care Quiz. KFF. (2016, January 21). https://www.kff.org/quiz/medicaid-and-long-termcare-quiz/
2. Distinguish between Medicare and Medicaid.
3. Discuss how Medicare has evolved to accommodate the changing needs of society. Do not just go through the
timeline – read the materials, think about how society has changed, and explain how Medicare has changed to
meet those needs.
4. Discuss the impact of health care reform initiatives on Medicare/Medicaid.
Length: Submit a 3-page paper, not including the cover page and the reference list.
Assignment Expectations
Assessment and Grading: Your paper will be assessed based on the performance assessment rubric. You can view it
under Assessments at the top of the page. Review it before you begin working on the assignment. Your work should
also follow these Assignment Expectations.
Title: Evolution of Medicare and Medicaid to Meet Changing Societal Needs
Introduction: As a student, I will discuss the evolution of Medicare and Medicaid to accommodate the changing needs of society. I will also distinguish between Medicare and Medicaid and examine the impact of healthcare reform initiatives on these programs.
- Quiz Scores: Before delving into the topics, I took the Medicaid and Long-Term Care Quiz from the KFF website. My quiz score was X%, which shows that I have a good understanding of the basic concepts related to Medicaid and long-term care.
- Distinguishing between Medicare and Medicaid: Medicare and Medicaid are both crucial healthcare programs in the United States, but they serve different populations. Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for people aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease. It consists of four parts: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).
In contrast, Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families. Eligibility and benefits may vary from state to state, and it covers a broader range of services, including long-term care for those who meet specific financial and medical criteria.
- Evolution of Medicare to Meet Changing Needs: Over the years, Medicare has evolved significantly to adapt to the changing needs of society. Some key aspects of its evolution are as follows:
a. Expanding Eligibility: Initially, Medicare only covered hospital and medical insurance for individuals aged 65 and older. Over time, the program expanded to include younger people with disabilities and those with end-stage renal disease, acknowledging the healthcare needs of a broader population.
b. Prescription Drug Coverage: Medicare Part D, introduced in 2006, added prescription drug coverage to the program. This step addressed the growing concern of medication costs for elderly and disabled beneficiaries.
c. Managed Care Options: The introduction of Medicare Advantage (Part C) allowed beneficiaries to opt for managed care plans provided by private insurers. This development aimed to increase choice and foster competition among healthcare providers.
d. Prevention and Wellness: In response to a growing emphasis on preventive care and wellness, Medicare introduced various preventive services and screenings without cost-sharing, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes.
e. Value-Based Care Initiatives: Medicare has embraced value-based care models, which focus on quality and outcomes rather than fee-for-service reimbursement. These initiatives aim to enhance care coordination, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction.
f. Addressing Disparities: Medicare has taken steps to address healthcare disparities by providing additional support to low-income beneficiaries and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Impact of Health Care Reform Initiatives on Medicare/Medicaid: The introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 had a significant impact on both Medicare and Medicaid:
a. Medicare: The ACA implemented various cost-containment measures within Medicare, leading to a reduction in Medicare Advantage plan overpayments to private insurers. It also encouraged the development of accountable care organizations (ACOs) to foster coordinated care and cost savings.
b. Medicaid: The ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility to cover more low-income adults, increasing access to healthcare for millions of uninsured individuals. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling made Medicaid expansion optional for states, leading to varying levels of expansion across the country.
Conclusion: Medicare and Medicaid have undergone substantial changes to meet the evolving healthcare needs of society. From expanding eligibility to introducing new benefits and embracing value-based care, these programs have adapted to ensure access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations. The impact of healthcare reform initiatives has further shaped these programs, fostering innovation and cost containment while expanding coverage for millions. As society continues to change, ongoing adjustments to Medicare and Medicaid will remain essential to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare for all.