Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid have long demonstrated America's commitment to protecting its disabled, poor, and elderly citizens from the economic consequences of serious illness. The primary goal of the PPACA is to improve health and reduce health care costs. The provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) met the needs of the underserved by providing coverage and access to healthcare providers.

Tasks:

• What is Medicare and Medicaid? Explain the associated benefits and differences in these programs.
• Discuss the provisions of the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)?
• Why are states so concerned with Medicaid changes? Identify the benefits and challenges with the implementation of the PPACA.
• What role should the government play in providing Americans with health care and what role should be the marketplace's role?

Provide a substantive (300–500 words)