Introduction

In the US, the major sources of funding of health care services for the elderly are Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Health Administration, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments. In addition, many states offer health-related benefits and programs, ranging from subsidies for transportation, housing, utilities, telephone, and food expenses to home help and nutrition services. Health care workers need to assist elderly patients in learning about benefits and program entitlements that promote health.

This topic was last updated May 2005.