What is a requirement for someone to qualify for Medicare?

To qualify for Medicare, a fundamental requirement is that an individual must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident. This is crucial because Medicare is a federal program designed primarily for individuals who have established residency and citizenship in the United States. It ensures that the program is serving those who are lawfully present in the country and thus eligible for its benefits.

Other conditions that can also allow access to Medicare include factors such as age (typically individuals must be 65 years or older) or having specific disabilities or health conditions, which may not be explicitly articulated in the answer choices. However, being a U.S. citizen or a legal resident is the primary and non-negotiable criterion for any applicant seeking Medicare coverage.

The other answer choices do not fulfill the requirement for qualifying for Medicare. For instance, employment status or age under 65 is not a primary requirement for eligibility. While residing in a nursing home may apply to some individuals who are already covered, it does not serve as a qualification criterion for Medicare itself.