What type of insurance does Medicare primarily provide?

Medicare primarily provides federal health insurance for elderly and disabled individuals. This program is designed to assist qualifying people, primarily those aged 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals who may have specific disabilities or medical conditions, such as end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Medicare aims to help cover healthcare costs, including hospital stays, outpatient services, and some levels of prescription drug coverage.

The focus of Medicare on elderly and disabled populations differentiates it from other types of insurance programs. For instance, health insurance for low-income families is typically associated with Medicaid, which serves a different demographic. Additionally, private health insurance may cover a wide range of ages and conditions but is not the primary focus of Medicare. Lastly, health insurance for children only would relate more to programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), rather than Medicare's demographic scope.