Covered California Certified Enroller Practice Exam

What is Medicare?

1. A state health insurance program for the low-income

2. A federal health insurance program for those 65 or older and some younger people

3. An insurance program for people with private health plans

4. A temporary health insurance for unemployed individuals

The correct answer is: A federal health insurance program for those 65 or older and some younger people

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for people who are 65 years of age or older, as well as certain younger individuals with specific disabilities or health conditions, such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This program provides essential healthcare services including hospital care, medical services, and prescription drug coverage. The program comprises several parts that cater to different healthcare needs—Part A covers hospital insurance, Part B covers medical insurance, and Part D is for prescription drug coverage. Understanding that Medicare is a federal program is key because it indicates that it is not administered by the states but rather by the federal government, which sets the eligibility criteria and benefits. In contrast, the other options describe different types of health insurance programs that are not focused on the demographic that Medicare serves. For example, a state health insurance program for low-income individuals aligns more with Medicaid, while private health plans cater to those wishing to purchase insurance through the marketplace or employer-sponsored plans. The mention of temporary health insurance for the unemployed doesn't relate to Medicare's mission or demographic focus.