Who does Medicare primarily help?

Medicare primarily helps senior citizens by providing them with health insurance coverage. It is a federal program designed for individuals aged 65 and older, although it can also assist younger individuals with disabilities or certain conditions, such as End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The program provides various health services, including hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B), which cover a wide range of healthcare needs, from hospital stays to outpatient care.

This focus on senior citizens reflects the increasing healthcare needs of the aging population, who often face higher medical costs due to age-related health issues. While other groups, such as children and low-income families, have their own specific assistance programs like Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare's primary mission is to ensure that older adults have access to essential health services as they navigate the challenges of aging.