What is the primary focus of the Medicare program?

The primary focus of the Medicare program is to provide health insurance coverage for individuals who are 65 years of age and older. Medicare was established in 1965 primarily to ensure that older adults have access to healthcare services, which can be particularly important as individuals age and may face increased health challenges. While Medicare does have components that may cover certain preventive health care services, as well as assistance for those who are disabled or have specific illnesses, its central aim is to cater to the healthcare needs of seniors.

Medicare consists of various parts that address different aspects of healthcare, including hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and prescription drug coverage (Part D). This structured approach allows older adults to receive comprehensive care as they navigate the complexities of aging.

In contrast, coverage for children under 18 pertains to other programs such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which focus on providing health insurance for low-income families. Similarly, health insurance for persons with low income largely involves Medicaid, which serves eligible individuals regardless of age based on income levels and other criteria. Therefore, while preventive health care is a component of many health insurance programs, it is not the primary focus of Medicare.