What is the role of SSI in relation to Medicare and Medicaid?

The role of SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is indeed to offer benefits without employment requirements. SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have low income and resources. Unlike other programs that may require a work history or employment, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI does not have these stipulations. This makes it an essential source of income support for individuals who may be unable to work or who have not accrued sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI.

While SSI recipients can also be eligible for Medicaid, which provides health coverage, it's crucial to differentiate that SSI itself does not function as a health insurance program. Thus, it serves primarily as a financial safety net, ensuring that qualified individuals can meet their basic needs irrespective of their work status. This understanding highlights the unique positioning of SSI in the broader landscape of social security programs, particularly its focus on providing essential support without the barriers of employment or work history.