Final answer:
Medicare provides health insurance to individuals over 65 and those with disabilities, covering hospitalization, doctor visits, and other medical expenses. Supplemental plans exist to help cover additional costs not included in Medicare. Medicaid and state programs assist with healthcare expenses for low-income individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to people over 65 and to those who meet other disability standards. It consists of four parts: Hospital Insurance funded by payroll taxes, Supplementary Medical Insurance funded through premiums and general revenues, Medicare Advantage which is a private plan option, and the Part D prescription drug benefits. Medicare covers hospitalization, doctor visits, and other medical expenses, but it has gaps, such as certain prescriptions and services not covered.
To assist those who cannot afford services not covered by Medicare, there are supplemental plans, often referred to as Medigap, and other programs like Medicaid which provide health care to low-income individuals. For those who still find coverage unaffordable, the state may offer additional assistance programs.