Medicare
noun /ˈmedɪkeə(r)/
/ˈmedɪker/
[uncountable]- (in the US) the government insurance system that provides medical care for people over 65CultureMedicare began in 1965 and is part of the social security system. It pays part of the costs of hospitals and offers additional medical insurance to people who pay an amount each month. compare MedicaidTopics Social issuesc2
- (in Australia and Canada) the national medical care system for all people that is paid for by taxes (spelt ‘medicare’ in Canada)
Word Origin1960s: from medical + care.