Which program provides federal health insurance for individuals with disabilities?

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, but it also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities. Specifically, those who have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months or have specific conditions such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) may qualify for Medicare benefits.

The program is designed to help those who may have limited income or resources due to their disabilities, ensuring they have access to necessary medical services, including hospital care, outpatient services, and preventive care. Medicare helps to alleviate the financial burden that can come with medical expenses for individuals with disabilities.

Understanding this aspect of Medicare is crucial, as it differentiates it from other options such as Medicaid, which focuses on low-income individuals and families, or CHIP, which provides coverage for children in families with higher incomes that are still unable to afford health insurance. Private insurance is typically more variable in coverage and cost and may not specifically address the needs of individuals with disabilities like Medicare does.