Final answer:
Seniors enrolled in Medicare might also qualify for Medicaid, making them 'dual eligibles'. Medicare provides health insurance for those over 65, while Medicaid assists those with very low incomes. Seniors, as a group, participate actively in the political process, highlighting the significance of these programs.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you're enrolled in Medicare, you might also be able to get Medicaid. These seniors are known as "dual eligibles". Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides benefits to individuals who are eligible for Social Security, typically those over the age of 65.
However, there is also a segment of those eligible for Medicare who have limited income and resources, and they may qualify for Medicaid as well, which is another government-funded healthcare program aimed at assisting those with very low incomes. As a result, these individuals receive benefits from both Medicare and Medicaid, hence the term 'dual eligibles'.
The elderly represent a significant interest group on certain issues and have historically participated actively in political processes. For instance, a high voter turnout among seniors was recorded in presidential elections. This active participation reflects the importance and impact of programs like Medicare and Medicaid on this demographic.
The federal government made efforts to inform seniors about Medicare through various means, including posters like the one from 1968 which was part of the Social Security Act of 1965 campaign to promote awareness about the program's benefits.