Which type of government-sponsored health coverage is designed specifically for individuals aged 65 and older?

Medicare is the program specifically designed for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Established in 1965, Medicare serves a crucial function in providing health insurance coverage for older adults who may no longer be working or who have retired, allowing them access to necessary medical care and services.

Medicare consists of different parts, including Part A, which covers hospital stays, and Part B, which covers outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical supplies. Understanding the nuances of Medicare is essential for anyone working in the healthcare payment and reimbursement landscape, especially in roles like that of a Certified Specialist Payment Representative, as it directly impacts billing and claims processing for older adults.

Other options like Medicaid and its variants focus on low-income individuals and families, rather than being specifically age-based, while Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance alternatives to traditional Medicare, still centered around the Medicare framework but are not distinct standalone programs.