What eligibility criteria must be met for Original Medicare?

To qualify for Original Medicare, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). One of the primary eligibility requirements is age; individuals need to be 65 years or older to be automatically eligible for Medicare benefits.

Although there are provisions for younger individuals who have qualifying disabilities or certain medical conditions (such as end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), the foundational eligibility for Original Medicare is indeed based on reaching the age of 65. This age criterion reflects the program's design, which aims to provide health insurance primarily to older adults.

The other options provide criteria that may lead to Medicare eligibility under specific circumstances, but they do not represent the primary route for enrollment in Original Medicare. Therefore, understanding that reaching age 65 is essential for Original Medicare eligibility is crucial for anyone preparing for the United Healthcare certification.