Abstract:

The U.S. has a long-established national health program for the elderly: Medicare. In addition, it has two other programs that provide medical services to other groups: Medicaid & Medigap. The Older Americans Act provides additional funding for a variety of support services for the elderly. However, the medical profession shows little orientation to the problems of the elderly & little awareness of their characteristics. Primary health care has only become eligible for reimbursement recently, & long-term nursing care is underfunded & inadequate. Medicare should include reimbursement for nursing home & in-home long-term care. The system of funding for hospitalization is inadequate, though the dangers of hospitals for the elderly make this not entirely a harmful result. Unnecessary surgery & unnecessary medication are not uncommon in geriatric practice. Issues of the quality of extended life & of the cultural image of aging must be considered in working toward a conscious health policy for the aged.