Increasing Equity and Decreasing Costs for Medicare Access and Treatment

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law a bill that established Medicare. Since then, the medical needs and structure of our society have changed in many ways. But does our current medical care and payment system afford quality, affordable medical care to those who need it the most? What does data tell us is the story of our national health? Who is left behind as advancements are developed to serve our numerous health needs? To tackle these questions, national and global data on the status of health are summarized. Conclusions drawn from the data were connected to provide recommendations on adjustments to and priorities for the U.S. Medicare system.