In 2011, 47,672,971 Americans were listed as Medicare beneficiaries. Of those receiving Medicare benefits, 1,009,613 were Missouri residents. That means that 16.6 percent of Missouri's population was enrolled in the health care safety net. Of those beneficiaries,
According to the most recent data (2004 figures), Medicare spending estimates Medicare spending in Missouri was 6,299 million dollars - or 2.1% of total U.S. Medicare spending. That spending was marked a 5.5% increase from 1995 (to 2004). The average spending per Missouri beneficiary was $7,029.
In 2011, 213,298 of Missouri Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Figures from 2010 show that 427,868 Missouri Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in stand-alone prescription drug plans, while 427,868 were enrolled in Medicare Advantage Drug Plans.
This bill would end Medicare as we know it, replacing it with a voucher system for seniors to buy health insurance coverage on the open market. Actuaries say the amount of the vouchers would not be enough for seniors to replace the coverage they would lose with the end of Medicare. [more]
Learn how health care reform is already improving Medicare. A federal summary of the changes reveals a long list of reforms intended to contain Medicare costs while increasing revenue, improving and streamlining delivery systems, and even increasing services to the program. So read how health reform is changing Medicare to work better for Missouri senior citizens.
The GOP's proposal to repeal President Obama's Affordable Care Act could wipe out critical consumer protections and cost savings for Missouri seniors, as well as their children and grandchildren. Read how repeal would hurt Missouri..
medicarevotes.orgSee how members of the Missouri Congressional delegation voted on Medicare.
How Missouri would fare
Missouri could lose if important protections are undone.