CarePlus Home  |  FAQs  |  Glossary

1-800-793-9808  |  TTY/Hearing and Speech Impaired: 1-877-245-7930


Home
About Us
Why Choose CarePlus?
Medicare Advantage HMO Plan Options
Programs and Services
Forms
More About Medicare
Information for Providers





History of Medicare

Looking back at the Medicare program

 
The Federal Medicare program has changed the lives of millions of Americans. But the roots of Medicare go back to our nation's early efforts to achieve health coverage for its elderly and poor citizens.

It's hard to believe, but the gradual evolution of the plans CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. offers today began more than a hundred years ago.

1902
The first U.S. workmen's compensation law enacted (later declared unconstitutional)

1915
Thirty states enacted the first major legislation to require employers to insure their workers against industrial accidents — or workmen's compensation

1935
The first Federal government health insurance bill introduced in Congress

1945
President Harry S. Truman became the first sitting president to officially endorse national health insurance

1961
President John F. Kennedy sent a message to Congress recommending health insurance for the elderly under Social Security

1965
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law

1972
Medicare eligibility extended to people with disabilities and to people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

1976
HMOs began to be offered as a Medicare option effective with the HMO Act of 1976

1983
The DRG prospective payment system began — soon after, Medicare members could enroll in an HMO or managed care plan

1997
The Medicare+Choice program (now known as Medicare Advantage) was enacted

2003
President George W. Bush signed the “Medicare Modernization Act” into law

2006
The voluntary Part D outpatient prescription drug benefit becomes available to beneficiaries from private drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans



Learn more about CarePlus Health Plans, Inc.’s Medicare Advantage HMO plans by calling: 1-800-793-9808. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. From March 2, 2010, until the following Annual Election Period (AEP), you may leave us a voice mail message after-hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and we will return your call the next business day. TTY number for the hearing and speech impaired, call: 1-877-245-7930.

This Website is for individual Medicare coverage only.

CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. is a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare contract. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part B and entitled to Part A. You must reside in the service area of the Plan. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium, if not otherwise paid for under Medicaid or by another third party. Some limitations, restrictions, coinsurance, and copayments may apply.

For Access to Exceptions, Grievance, Appeals, and Coverage Determinations/Redeterminations Information , please see our  Forms  page.

The documents that appear in this website are available in alternate format.

Click here if you have problems viewing documents on this website.

The information in these pages is accurate as of 1/1/2010, and is subject to change without notice.

CMS: H1019_CPHP_2008_Website REV 10 (APVD 03/11/10)

Contact Us | Legal | Internet Privacy Practices | Privacy Practices | Licensure