Final answer:
A retired person under age 65 can qualify for Medicare if they meet specific conditions such as having a disability or certain illnesses. Medicare primarily serves those who are 65 or older, but with the growing elderly population, the program is adapting to cover a wider range of scenarios.
Step-by-step explanation:
Typically, Medicare is available for people who are 65 or older, but there are certain exceptions. A retired person under the age of 65 can qualify for Medicare if they meet specific conditions, such as having a disability, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
It's important to note that the coverage provided can help with medical care needs that may become more prevalent as the number of older Americans increases.
While in most cases, age is the primary qualifying factor, these additional criteria offer ways for those under 65 to receive Medicare benefits due to their particular circumstances.
In the early 2000s, the number of people eligible for Medicare was around 40 million. As the proportion of elderly Americans grows, programs like Social Security and Medicare will face increased demand, affecting the funding provided by payroll taxes.
Furthermore, the widow of a qualified worker and, in certain cases, an aged dependent parent may receive benefits, suggesting that there are provisions within the system to cover a broader range of individuals under specific conditions.