Medicare

New & Noteworthy

Medicare Advantage in Rural Areas
While most Medicare Advantage enrollees live in metro areas, enrollment is growing faster in rural areas. In 2023, 40% of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries in rural counties are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, nearly quadruple the share in 2010 (11%).
What to Know about Medicare Spending and Financing
Medicare covers 65 million people ages 65 and older and younger people with long-term disabilities. We highlight trends in Medicare spending and key drivers of spending growth, including higher enrollment, growth in health care costs, and increases in payments to Medicare Advantage plans.
A Snapshot of Sources of Coverage Among Medicare Beneficiaries
This snapshot highlights that most people with Medicare have some type of coverage that may protect them from unlimited out-of-pocket costs and may offer additional benefits, whether it’s coverage in addition to traditional Medicare or coverage from Medicare Advantage plans.
How Many Physicians Have Opted Out of the Medicare Program?
1.1% of non-pediatric physicians have formally opted-out of Medicare in 2023, with the share varying by specialty. Among psychiatrists, 7.7% have opted out, the highest share of any specialty. They account for 40.2% of physicians who have opted out.

Data Visualization

The Facts About Medicare Spending

This interactive provides the facts on Medicare spending. Medicare, which serves 65 million people and accounts for 13 percent of the federal budget and 21 percent of national health spending, is often the focus of discussions about health expenditures, health care afforbability and the sustainability of federal health programs.

Explore data on enrollment growth, Medicare spending trends overall and per person, growth in Medicare spending relative to private insurance, spending on benefits and Medicare Advantage, Part A trust fund solvency challenges, and growth in out-of-pocket spending by beneficiaries.