Hillarysworld

Good info, Sanders.  LOTS of stuff I didn't know.

All in quotes:


TOTAL U.S. POPULATION: As of October 20th 2009, the United States has a total resident population of 308 million.
Estimated Illegal Residents: ?? (Not to be confused with Resident Alien - who are all lawful residents, permanent or temporary visa status, many of whom are taxpayers)

MEDICARE: In 2007, Medicare provided health care coverage for 43 million Americans, making it the largest single health care payer in the nation.[7] Enrollment is expected to reach 77 million by 2031, when the baby boom generation is fully enrolled.[8]

MEDICAID is the United States health program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources. It is a means-tested program that is jointly funded by the states and federal government, and is managed by the states.[1] Among the groups of people served by Medicaid are certain eligible U.S. citizens and resident aliens, including low-income adults and their children, and people with certain disabilities. Poverty alone does not necessarily qualify an individual for Medicaid.[2] It is estimated that approximately 60 percent of poor Americans are not covered by Medicaid.[3] Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited income in the United States. Because of the aging Baby Boomer population, the fastest growing aspect of Medicaid is nursing home coverage.

Comparisons with Medicare: Medicare is an entitlement program funded entirely at the federal level.[7] It is a social insurance focusing primarily on the older population. As stated in the CMS website,[8] Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people of all ages with end stage renal disease. The Medicare Program provides a Medicare part A which covers hospital bills, Medicare Part B which covers medical insurance coverage, and Medicare Part D which covers prescription drugs.

Medicaid is a program that is not solely funded at the federal level. States provide up to half of the funding for the Medicaid program. In some states, counties also contribute funds. Unlike the Medicare entitlement program, Medicaid is a means-tested, needs-based social welfare or social protection program rather than a social insurance program. Eligibility is determined largely by income. The main criterion for Medicaid eligibility is limited income and financial resources, a criterion which plays no role in determining Medicare coverage. Medicaid covers a wider range of health care services than Medicare.

Coverage: In 2008, Medicaid provided health coverage and services to approximately 49 million low-income children, pregnant women, elderly persons, and disabled individuals. Federal Medicaid outlays were estimated to be $204 billion in 2008. [18]

Some individuals are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare (also known as Medicare dual eligibles).[9] In 2001, about 6.5 million Americans were enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid