Government Health & Education Programs 35.2

I. Health Benefits Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older Medicaid is a gov. program that provides private medical care to poor and disabled people. Eligible for this if you are eligible for TANF

II. Educational benefits Government provides funding for schools at the elementary and secondary levels States provide funds for higher education Federal Pell Grants are available to financially eligible students. They do not have to be repaid Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants are available to undergrad students with exceptional financial need II. Educational benefits

Federal Work Study Program provides jobs for financially needy grad and undergrad students so that they can earn money to help them pay for educational expenses while attending school Stafford Loans are awarded on the basis of financial need and can be obtained by anyone. These must be repaid. PLUS loans are available to parents to pay for the educational expenses of a child Perkins Loans are low interest loans are available to undergrad and grad students who show exceptional financial need.

Questions for Deliberation Should the government provide health care coverage to all Americans? Why or why not?

Should the state or federal government provide a free college education to all Americans? Why or why not?

Should students from poor families pay less tuition or get guaranteed loans at lower interest rates?