Which program is designed for individuals whose income is insufficient to cover necessary medical care costs?

Medicaid is specifically designed to provide health care coverage to individuals and families with low incomes who cannot afford necessary medical care. This program is funded jointly by the federal and state governments and aims to assist those who meet certain eligibility criteria, including income level, disability status, age, and family size.

Unlike Medicare, which primarily serves the elderly and certain disabled individuals regardless of income, Medicaid targets those whose financial situation makes it difficult to pay for health care needs. Furthermore, Social Security Insurance (typically referring to Social Security Disability Insurance), while it provides income support for individuals with disabilities, does not specifically address medical care costs. Similarly, private health insurance entails purchasing a plan, which implies an ability to pay premiums and may not be accessible to those with limited income. Thus, Medicaid stands out as the appropriate program aimed directly at covering the medical needs of financially disadvantaged individuals.