Medicare is the Nation’s health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, some people under age 65 with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure). Medicare has four components: Part A covers hospital, skilled nursing, home health, and hospice care; Part B covers physician services, outpatient services, and durable medical equipment; Part C is a managed care program now known as “Medicare Advantage;” and Part D, added in 2006, covers prescription drugs.

In 2005, 56 percent of Medicare’s 42.5 million enrollees, were female. A majority of Medicare enrollees were aged 65 and older; the elderly represented 87 percent of female and 81 percent of male enrollees.

Of the 43 million enrollees eligible for the Medicare Part D prescription drug program in 2006, 55.8 percent were female. Of those who enrolled in stand-alone prescription drug plans, 6.6 million (61 percent) were female. The largest group of women enrolled in Part D is the 75- to 89-year-old age group, with 2.85 million enrollees, followed by the 65- to 74-year-old age group with 2.76 million.

Medicaid is jointly funded by the Federal and State governments and provides coverage for low-income people and people with disabilities. In 2004, Medicaid covered 58 million individuals including children; the aged, blind, and disabled; and adults who are eligible for cash assistance programs. Overall, 59 percent of all Medicaid enrollees were female; of the adults enrolled in Medicaid, 69 percent were women (data not shown).

> VERTICAL BAR CHART: Medicare Enrollees (All Ages), by Age and Sex, 2005

> VERTICAL BAR CHART: Medicare Part D Enrollees, (All Ages) by Age and Sex, 2006