Which category includes patients who only have Medicare or Medicaid coverage?

The correct category for patients who only have Medicare or Medicaid coverage is referred to as underinsured. This term typically describes individuals who have some form of insurance but still face significant out-of-pocket costs or limitations in their coverage that can make it difficult to afford necessary care.

Medicare and Medicaid, while they provide essential health coverage for eligible populations, may not cover all services or may have high cost-sharing for certain treatments, which can lead to financial challenges for beneficiaries. Thus, individuals with solely Medicare or Medicaid might find themselves in a situation where they cannot fully afford their healthcare needs, fitting the definition of being underinsured.

In contrast, patients who have commercial insurance often have more comprehensive plans that cover a broader range of services with better cost-sharing arrangements. Premium assistance typically relates to programs that help individuals pay for insurance premiums but does not accurately describe those whose sole coverage is Medicare or Medicaid. Medically uninsured individuals would be those without any insurance coverage at all, which does not apply to those with Medicare or Medicaid.