Which health insurance program primarily serves low-income individuals and families?

The health insurance program that primarily serves low-income individuals and families is Medicaid. Medicaid provides coverage for eligible individuals and families who meet specific income and resource criteria. It was established to assist those who may not have the financial means to afford healthcare, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities.

Medicaid is a state and federal program, meaning that while it is funded jointly by both levels of government, the states have flexibility in designing their own programs within federal guidelines. This leads to variations in eligibility and benefits across different states.

The other programs listed have different target populations or provide different types of coverage. Medicare, for example, primarily serves individuals who are 65 years or older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities, rather than focusing on low-income eligibility. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health coverage for children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage. Private insurance generally consists of plans offered through employers or purchased individually, covering a wide range of income levels but not specifically aimed at low-income individuals.