Who is eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for individuals who are aged 65 and older. However, certain disabled individuals under the age of 65, and individuals of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can also qualify for Medicare. To be eligible for Medicare, individuals must be US citizens or permanent legal residents who have resided in the country for at least five continuous years. Additionally, eligible individuals must have paid Medicare taxes for a specified period or have a spouse who meets the criteria. Medicare is an important healthcare resource for millions of Americans, providing coverage for hospital services (Part A) and medical services (Part B), with the option to enroll in additional coverage through Medicare Advantage (Part C) or prescription drug plans (Part D) to suit individual needs.