What is the main goal of Medicare?

The main goal of Medicare is to offer medical insurance to individuals aged 65 and older. Medicare was established as a federal program to provide healthcare coverage for older adults who may not have access to sufficient insurance due to age-related factors, such as retirement or the increasing health-related needs that often come with aging. The program provides various parts that cover hospital services, outpatient care, and prescription medications, aimed explicitly at ensuring that seniors have access to necessary health services.

This focus on older individuals is distinct from other programs like Medicaid, which addresses healthcare for low-income families and individuals, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which specifically provides coverage for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private coverage. These distinctions clarify the unique role that Medicare plays in the broader landscape of U.S. healthcare policy.