Who is primarily eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for individuals aged 65 and older. This age threshold is significant because it aligns with the typical retirement age in the United States, at which many people begin to require more medical care due to age-related health issues. While there are other categories of individuals, such as those under 65 with certain disabilities or specific health conditions, the central eligibility requirement focuses on seniors. Therefore, this demographic plays the primary role in Medicare's intended beneficiaries.

Individuals under 18 are generally covered by Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) rather than Medicare. Additionally, while those with disabilities may qualify for Medicare before the age of 65, they fall into a secondary eligibility category rather than being the primary focus of the program. This distinction reinforces why those aged 65 and older are the ones primarily targeted by Medicare services and benefits.