Abstract

One of the greatest problems faced by Americans today is the high cost of medical care. This problem is aggravated in the case of the elderly because many must survive on a fixed income, while their need for medical services and the cost of those services increase. The Medicare and Medicaid programs were enacted to assist older Americans by paying part or all of the cost of health care with federal and state funds. These programs have failed in that purpose, however, because they do not provide the type of services and the extent of coverage which are actually needed by elderly individuals.

This Note will examine the Medicare and Medicaid programs, setting forth the type of coverage available under each and discussing those areas of health care services neglected by both programs. These shortcomings, particularly the failure to provide for adequate home health and personal care services, will be examined in the context of hypothetical health care situations commonly experienced by the elderly. Finally, suggestions for amendment of the present law, aimed at providing the type of comprehensive and coordinated health care services which are needed by the elderly, will be presented.

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