Medicare primarily serves which groups of individuals?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for individuals who are 65 years of age and older, as well as for those under 65 who have specific disabilities, including individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The focus on these groups is rooted in the need to provide healthcare coverage for populations that are most likely to require ongoing and comprehensive medical care.

Individuals under 18 are typically covered under programs like Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), rather than Medicare. Unemployed individuals may have a variety of healthcare coverage options, but Medicare specifically targets older adults and those with qualifying disabilities rather than employment status. While Medicare is available to U.S. citizens and legal residents, not all citizens qualify for Medicare; the qualification criteria are based on age and disability status, making the group served by Medicare more specific than all citizens. Thus, the correct choice highlights the program’s emphasis on older adults and qualified individuals with disabilities.