Changes

Originally, Medicare covered only those 65 and older. In 1972, Congress added the disabled, now about 15% of beneficiaries. It also covered dialysis for kidney failure. In 2003, Bush asked for and Congress created a drug benefit. Other services such as hospice care and mammograms have been added.

Originally, Medicare covered only those 65 and older. In 1972, Congress added the disabled, now about 15% of beneficiaries. It also covered dialysis for kidney failure. In 2003, Bush asked for and Congress created a drug benefit. Other services such as hospice care and mammograms have been added.

Medicare is expected to eventually go bankrupt, leading to major fiscal consequences for the United States.  Health care for the aged in the United States has declined with the advent of Medicare, and many elderly individuals are forced to buy "Medigap" plans from private industry to cover expenses that Medicare will not cover.

Many elderly individuals buy "Medigap" plans from private industry to cover expenses that Medicare will not cover.

==Politics==

==Politics==