Certified Application Counselor Practice Test

Which disease does Medicare cover for individuals under the age of 65?

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

2. End-stage renal disease

3. Heart conditions

4. Diabetes

The correct answer is: End-stage renal disease

Medicare provides coverage for individuals under the age of 65 primarily through specific qualifying conditions, and one of those is end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This coverage is designed for individuals who require regular dialysis or have undergone a kidney transplant due to their failing kidneys. The significance of this coverage lies in the critical and often life-threatening nature of ESRD, which necessitates extensive medical care and treatment that can be quite costly. By offering coverage for individuals with this condition, Medicare helps ensure that they receive the necessary medical services to manage their condition effectively. While other conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart conditions, and diabetes can impact individuals under 65, they are typically not covered by Medicare unless the person qualifies under other specific circumstances, such as disability under Social Security or other qualifying criteria. Thus, end-stage renal disease is the only condition that directly qualifies for Medicare coverage under 65 without additional qualifying factors.