ABSTRACT
When Ronald Reagan assumed the presidency, both conservative and liberal analysts predicted revolutionary changes in the health and welfare system of the country. When Reagan left office eight years later, major programs affecting the elderly that had been targeted for radical modification or elimination still existed. Medicare continues as a federal program that pays half of the medical bills of the elderly. Medicaid remains a joint federal-state program that pays the medical bills of a large number of elderly poor. Social Security offers federally administered income support, while other programs provide federal funds for social services, food, and other needs.
