What distinguishes Medicare from Medicaid?

The distinction between Medicare and Medicaid lies primarily in their target populations and the reasons for their establishment. Medicare is designed specifically to provide healthcare coverage for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific health conditions. This program is primarily funded by the federal government and serves as a social insurance program to ensure that older adults have access to necessary medical care.

On the other hand, Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that offers health coverage predominantly to low-income individuals and families, regardless of age. It aims to provide essential health services to those who meet specific income and resource criteria, thereby helping to protect vulnerable populations from the high costs of medical care.

This fundamental difference in purpose and demographic focus clearly sets Medicare apart from Medicaid, making option B the accurate choice. The other options either misidentify the specific populations served by each program or present incorrect details about their funding and coverage characteristics.