Final answer:
The statement is false because Medicare is for those over 65 and certain disabled individuals, while Medicaid provides for low-income individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Medicare provides free or low-cost medical insurance to welfare recipients' is false. Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to all those over age 65, regardless of income, as well as to younger people who meet other standards for disability.
In contrast, Medicaid is the program that provides free or low-cost health insurance to individuals with low income, including those on welfare. This program is jointly funded by the federal government and the state governments. Both Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965, with Medicaid aimed at assisting the low-income population, while Medicare caters to the elderly and certain younger people with disabilities.