What is a federal program administered by state governments that provides medical assistance for low-income individuals?

Medicaid is a federal program that provides medical assistance specifically targeted at low-income individuals and families. It is interesting to note that while it is federally funded, the program is administered by state governments, allowing each state to establish its own guidelines, eligibility criteria, and benefits as long as they adhere to the federal regulations. This state administration ensures that Medicaid can be adapted to meet the varied needs of different populations within each state.

Medicare, on the other hand, primarily serves individuals who are 65 years or older and certain younger people with disabilities, rather than focusing directly on low-income status. Social Security is a federal program that provides financial support to retirees, disabled workers, and survivors of deceased workers, rather than medical assistance. CHIP, or the Children's Health Insurance Program, provides coverage specifically for children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage, thus serving a narrower demographic within the low-income population.