Final answer:
The Medicare Benefit Policy manual contains the specific regulations for Medicare, a federal health insurance program established in 1965 that provides coverage primarily to individuals 65 and older and includes four parts of services financed through various means.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specific regulations for Medicare are contained in the Medicare Benefit Policy manual. Medicare, established as part of the Social Security Act of 1965, is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals 65 and older. As of 2013, it covered approximately 52.3 million people. This extensive health coverage system consists of four parts: Hospital Insurance, Supplementary Medical Insurance, Medicare Advantage, and the Part D prescription drug benefits. The Hospital Insurance portion is primarily funded by a dedicated payroll tax, while the Supplementary Medical Insurance and Part D prescription drug benefits are funded through beneficiary premiums and general revenues. The spending on Medicare has increased significantly over time, with projections showing further growth due to demographic trends and rising medical prices.