Final Answer:
a) Medicaid and b) Social Security are the social welfare programs that accompany Medicare.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medicare, a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, is often associated with other social welfare programs. Medicaid, jointly funded by the federal government and states, operates in conjunction with Medicare to provide health coverage to low-income individuals, including some elderly and disabled Medicare beneficiaries who may require additional financial assistance for healthcare expenses. Medicaid helps cover costs not paid for by Medicare, such as premiums, deductibles, and co-payments, ensuring comprehensive coverage for eligible individuals.
Social Security, another critical social welfare program, provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. While distinct from Medicare, Social Security commonly intersects with it because individuals typically become eligible for Medicare benefits upon reaching the age of 65, the same age when they become eligible for full retirement benefits under Social Security. Many seniors rely on both Medicare for healthcare coverage and Social Security for financial support during retirement, creating a significant relationship between these two programs.
These complementary programs, Medicaid and Social Security, work alongside Medicare to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage and financial assistance for eligible individuals, particularly seniors and those with disabilities or low incomes, addressing various aspects of their well-being.