This indicator shows the percentage of adults aged 65 and older who were enrolled in Medicare in the past year.

Medicare is the primary insurance program for seniors and disabled younger adults and pays approximately 56% of beneficiary’s total healthcare costs with the remaining balance considered an out-of-pocket expense, making affordability a major factor in accessing care. With the 65 and over population increasing steadily, the number of available healthcare professionals and resources, and the accessibility and efficacy of the Medicare program within the community together form a cluster of critical determinants of health quality for seniors.

The Healthy People 2020 national health target is to increase the proportion of adults aged 65 and older with a specific source of ongoing care to 100%.

This indicator shows the percentage of adults aged 65 and older who were enrolled in Medicare in the past year.

Medicare is the primary insurance program for seniors and disabled younger adults and pays approximately 56% of beneficiary’s total healthcare costs with the remaining balance considered an out-of-pocket expense, making affordability a major factor in accessing care. With the 65 and over population increasing steadily, the number of available healthcare professionals and resources, and the accessibility and efficacy of the Medicare program within the community together form a cluster of critical determinants of health quality for seniors.

The Healthy People 2020 national health target is to increase the proportion of adults aged 65 and older with a specific source of ongoing care to 100%.