Which program is designed to provide healthcare assistance to the elderly and disabled?

The program designed to provide healthcare assistance specifically to the elderly and disabled is Medicare. This federal program primarily serves individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions, such as end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). Medicare helps cover the costs of healthcare services, including hospital stays, medical visits, and prescription drugs, thereby ensuring essential support for these populations.

Medicaid, on the other hand, is a program aimed at providing healthcare assistance to low-income individuals, which can include families, the elderly, and people with disabilities, but it serves a broader demographic compared to Medicare. Social Security provides financial assistance rather than direct healthcare services, focusing on retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers. Universal Health Care refers to a health system that offers health coverage to all citizens, differing from the targeted approach of Medicare. Therefore, Medicare is the key program for supporting healthcare needs specifically for the elderly and disabled.