(in the US) the government insurance system that provides medical care for people over 65 医疗保障制度，老年保健医疗制度（美国政府向 65 岁以上的人提供医疗保险） CultureMedicare 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) 医疗保健制度（澳大利亚和加拿大政府为所有国民而设，资源来自税收；加拿大拼写为 medicare）
Word Origin1960s: from medical + care.