Medicare eligibility translates into meaningful gains in health equity. But the COVID-19 pandemic in particular has demonstrated that racial, ethnic, gender, LGBTQ+ status, disability status, and income disparities in health outcomes and access to care remain. For example, Medicare beneficiaries most likely to report difficulty getting vision, dental, or hearing care include individuals with low incomes, those in fair or poor health, and Black and Hispanic enrollees. Many LGBTQ+ individuals have significant challenges finding able and willing providers, and those over age 50 in particular experience pronounced health disparities. In our experience, transgender people in particular may struggle to access appropriate care, including gender affirming care, in Medicare. This lack of access can magnify inequities, put beneficiary health at risk, and lead to more costly and invasive treatments later.
Any changes to the Medicare program must aim for healthier people, better care, and smarter spending—not paying more for less. As policymakers debate the future of health care, we will provide our insights here.
Thinking ahead to Medicare's future, it’s important to modernize benefits and pursue changes that improve how people with Medicare navigate their coverage on a daily basis. Here are our evolving 30 policy goals for Medicare’s future.
You can help protect and strengthen Medicare by taking action on the important issues we are following, subscribe to newsletter alerts, or follow along on social media. Any way you choose to get involved is a contribution that we appreciate greatly.
CELEBRATING
Help us honor 35 years of making Medicare more affordable, accessible, and equitable. Sign up to receive special alerts with ways to support our 35 years of service to older adults and people with disabilities. Learn more at www.medicarerights.org/35.
