Which federal health insurance is for individuals 65 and older and those with disabilities?

• A. Medicare
• B. Medicaid
• C. HMO
• D. PPO

Answer: (A)

Medicare is the federal health insurance program that serves people 65 and older and also provides coverage for individuals with certain disabilities. Most people qualify for Medicare as they reach age 65, having paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. It also covers younger individuals who have been on Social Security Disability Insurance for a specified period due to disability. Medicare helps with hospital care (Part A) and medical services (Part B), and there are additional parts for prescription drugs (Part D) and for private plans that offer expanded coverage (Part C, Medicare Advantage). Medicaid, in contrast, is a needs-based program for people with low income and is run jointly by states and the federal government. HMOs and PPOs are types of managed care plan structures, not federal health insurance on their own. Therefore, the option described is Medicare.