Health of Previously Uninsured Adults After Acquiring Medicare Coverage.

This article presents the results of a study examining what health effects, if any, are given to uninsured near-elderly patients who acquire Medicare coverage for the first time. This study assessed the effect of getting Medicare coverage on the health of the previously uninsured and showed that after the age of 65, the previously uninsured group became healthier. The Medicare coverage was associated with improved health, especially in those with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, and the authors say their findings offer proof that insuring the near-elderly will benefit the U.S. by saving money and improving health.