ever, attempts to label all elderly persons as chronically ill persons requiring long-term care, where, in fact, most are vigorous and healthy, and require little more medical attention than do persons in other age groups (Minahan, 1998a).
Most of the health care services received by persons aged 65 years old and older in the United States are funded by the federal Medicare program. Medicare was enacted in 1965 as a uniform health care services financing program for individuals eligible for federal benefits under the social security program. All persons, regardless of financial situation, are eligible for participation in the Medicare program at age 65. Certain other persons afflicted by specified medical problems and disabilities are eligible for participation in Medicare regardless of age or financial condition. This study, however, focused on the primary objective of Medicare which is the financing of health care services for
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