Certified Application Counselor Practice Test

Medicare primarily serves individuals who are how old?

1. Aged 55 or over

2. Aged 60 or over

3. Aged 65 or over

4. Aged 70 or over

The correct answer is: Aged 65 or over

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed to serve individuals aged 65 or older. This age threshold reflects the program's focus on providing healthcare coverage for older adults, who typically face more health challenges and require different healthcare services compared to younger populations. Individuals who qualify for Medicare usually have a history of paying into the Medicare system through payroll taxes during their working years. This program is crucial in supporting the healthcare needs of seniors, including hospital stays, outpatient care, and, in some cases, prescription drug coverage. While there are provisions in Medicare for younger individuals with disabilities or specific health conditions, the primary demographic intended to benefit from Medicare is those aged 65 and over. This foundational aspect of Medicare is why the correct choice highlights the age of 65 as the primary eligibility criterion.