with an income that low, you might want to call your social services office and get medicaid.
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services
Medicare is a Federal program which is the same nationwide. Re: Medicaid, there are significant variations among the States.
Medicaid is a great society program that provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals of all ages, not just the elderly. It was established along with Medicare to address the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations in the United States.
Medicaid, would be a non-contributory program. That is because people can't afford it, just like food stamps. Medicare is a contributory program.
The US Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services regulate the Medicare program, but the paperwork is often outsourced to private contractors.
The Medicare number is 1.800.MEDICARE. Medicaid is a State program; each State has its own contacts.
The health insurance program available to elderly persons in the US is called Medicare. It provides coverage for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain individuals with disabilities.
"Should" is a matter of opinion. Medicare is not an entitlement program (unlike Medicaid). It is an insurance program funded by payroll taxes on employees and employers.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, US Department of Health and Human Services
Social Security
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services
no