Who can be eligible for Medicare aside from those aged 65 and older?

Individuals with specific conditions or disabilities can qualify for Medicare regardless of age. Medicare is not exclusively for those who are 65 and older; it also serves younger individuals who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or who have certain qualifying conditions, such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). When someone meets these specific criteria, they can access Medicare benefits earlier than the standard eligibility age.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the eligibility criteria for Medicare. Individuals under 55 without disabilities do not qualify, as Medicare is intended for those with certain medical needs or individuals over the typical retirement age. Saying that everyone in the U.S. is eligible misrepresents the program, as it is specifically designed for certain demographics. Additionally, limiting eligibility to only those in nursing homes excludes a broader range of potential beneficiaries, particularly those with disabilities or serious health conditions who may not reside in long-term care facilities.