Which government health insurance program is primarily available to people aged 65 and older or those with certain disabilities?

• A. Medicare
• B. Medicaid
• C. CHIP
• D. Veterans Affairs health care

Answer: (A)

Medicare provides health coverage primarily to people 65 and older, and also to younger individuals with certain disabilities or diseases. It is a federal program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Most people become eligible at age 65 and enroll through Social Security, while younger folks with qualifying disabilities (such as those who have received Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months) or with conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS can enroll too. Medicare is often described in parts that cover hospital care (Part A) and medical services (Part B), with optional add-ons for prescription drugs (Part D) and private-plan alternatives (Part C, Medicare Advantage).

Medicaid, in contrast, is a needs-based program for low-income individuals and certain other groups; CHIP covers children in families with incomes too high for Medicaid but too low for private insurance; Veterans Affairs health care serves eligible veterans. Some people can be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.