Medicare (United States)
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Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States for people age 65 or older and younger people with disabilities, including those with end stage renal disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It was begun in 1965 under the Social Security Administration and is now administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Medicare amendment (July 30, 1965). Former President Harry S. Truman (seated) and his wife, Bess, are on the far right.
A sample of the Medicare card format used through 2018. The ID number is the subscriber's Social Security number, followed by a suffix indicating the holder's relationship to the subscriber (generally "A" for self). There are separate lines for basic Part A and Part B's supplementary medical coverage, each with its own start date.
A sample of the new Medicare cards mailed out in 2018 and 2019 depending on state of residence on a Social Security database. The new ID number is randomly generated and not tied to any personally identifying information. Beneficiaries on Medicare Part C health plans are issued with a separate card and ID number, in addition to their Original Medicare card.
The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability and survivor benefits. To qualify for most of these benefits, most workers pay Social Security taxes on their earnings; the claimant's benefits are based on the wage earner's contributions. Otherwise benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are given based on need.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act of 1935 (August 14, 1935)
One part of SSA headquarters in Woodlawn, Maryland
Another view of SSA headquarters in Maryland
The two buildings in the center, part of Lefrak City in Rego Park, Queens, housed the Northeastern Program Service Center until ...