Message from the Secretary
For 31 years, Medicare has helped pay the medical bills for millions of older and disabled Americans, providing them with health insurance coverage and peace of mind. Over the years, Medicare has evolved into one of the world's best health insurance programs, delivering essential services and improving the quality of life for many of our most vulnerable citizens.
Today, Medicare provides health insurance for the large majority of older and disabled Americans, nearly 40 million people. Few programs, public or private, help so many in such an important way.
The Department of Health and Human and Services is dedicated to providing first-rate health care to members of the "Medicare family." Whether you are new to the Medicare program or not, we want to assure you of our commitment to keep Medicare working for you.
Donna E. Shalala
Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
Your Medicare Handbook 1997 summarizes your Medicare benefits, rights and obligations and a list of organizations that you can contact if you need assistance with a Medicare-related matter.
President Clinton recently signed legislation that will result in changes to the Medicare program over the coming few years. As these changes become effective, the Health Care Financing Administration will provide you with additional information to explain how these changes affect your benefits, rights and obligations and the resources available to assist you.
This Publication is Available in Other Formats for the Disabled
For single copies, please call the Medicare Hotline at 1-800-638-6833. If you use a TTY/TDD the telphone number is 1-800-820-1202.
HCFA also publishes a number of booklets and pamphlets on specific parts of the Medicare program. You can find out more about those publications by contacting the Medicare Hotline or HCFA's Web site.
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