there are 3 major programs. 2 federal 1 state based we pay into. ( it would've been 1 federal program, envisioned as 1 but then boomers voted Reagan in.)
1) social security-there are 3 major programs for social security 1. social security -retirement, (SS) widely well known- the one you've probably read about. you work until what was 65 ( it goes up every few years) most 90s babies are at 67. 00's babies are at 69. you pay in and you get what you paid in back. this section also gives out the death benefit. a final payment out. my parents call it the settlement payment, because some of the time, you don't get back all you paid in because you die before all payments are made. the SSA does not give you it after you die they keep it and pay a flat death benefit. 2.supplemental security income (SSI) given to those that are 65+, blind , disabled who cannot work and do not make enough off #3 to live. 3. social security disability (SSDI) given to those disabled, blind who are of working age and can no longer work. (if over 18 never held a job because of said issues). you can also collect social security for death of a spouse ( you collect part of the spouse , you cannot collect both they give you the higher of the 2) or a parent. (you collect 75% of what was theirs for a child until 18.
2) medicare- healthcare for those 65+, or who are on social security. you can qualify for social security and not take Medicare.
3. medicaid- state supplied healthcare for those low income and disabled, and depending on the state almost every child whose parent applies for them. under the age of 19.
when you read/hear about Medicare for All. those that support it want to pay into a system like NHS. currently here if you do not qualify for #2 or #3. you have A) no insurance B) private pay insurance. you can get a lot more covered with private pay but a lot of the times its no better than govt funded.
