Which federal program primarily provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families?

Medicaid is the federal program that primarily provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families. It is designed to assist those who may not have sufficient income to afford healthcare coverage on their own. By combining both federal and state resources, Medicaid offers a broad range of health services, including hospital care, doctor visits, long-term care, and preventive care services. Eligibility for Medicaid typically hinges on various factors, including household income, family size, and other state-specific criteria.

Other programs listed, such as Medicare, focus on providing health coverage to the elderly and certain disabled individuals rather than low-income families. Social Security provides financial assistance but is not centered around health insurance, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) supports those with limited income who are aged, blind, or disabled, without necessarily covering health services directly. Thus, among these options, Medicaid distinctly addresses the health insurance needs of low-income individuals and families.