Which of the following best describes Medicare?

Medicare is fundamentally a federal health insurance program primarily designed to assist individuals who are 65 years of age and older, providing them with necessary healthcare coverage. This program offers various parts that cover hospital stays, medical services, and prescription drugs, catering specifically to the needs that often arise with aging, such as chronic illnesses and increased healthcare utilization.

This definition aligns closely with the intent and implementation of Medicare, which was established in 1965 as a means to ensure that older adults have access to essential health services. Given that the other options either mischaracterize the demographic Medicare serves or confuse it with different types of assistance programs, it is clear that option C accurately reflects the primary purpose and target population of Medicare.