FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-112

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (July 1, 2026) – This edition of FWM is all about American healthcare for the aging or disabled.

Medicare

The US Medicare was established 60 years ago, on July 1, 1966, when President Johnson signed it into law.

Medicare covers 65 million Americans, mostly those over 65 years of age and also those younger who are disabled. 

Annual Medicare payments are nearly $1 trillion, or 4% of the Gross Domestic Product.  It is funded in combination by the US Treasury, about 47% of total, and the rest by payroll taxes and beneficiaries’ payments.

Medicaid, which is a different Federal program, is aimed at helping those workers under 65 of age who earn less than 132% of the poverty line.  It is older than Medicare by one year.

Most other countries have universal health coverage, ranging from single payer insurance for all (Canada, most of Europe, Australia, etc.) to coexisting national and private insurance (Mexico, several European countries).

This map of the US is from 1880 and is by Gray.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.