Which consumers are eligible for Medicare if they meet other eligibility requirements?

The eligibility for Medicare primarily targets individuals who are 65 years of age or older. This age requirement is one of the fundamental criteria that establishes a person's eligibility for this federal health insurance program, provided that they also meet other requirements such as citizenship or residency status, work history, and contributions to Social Security or Railroad Retirement.

While there are other categories of individuals who may qualify for Medicare—such as younger individuals with disabilities or those with certain medical conditions—the primary focus is on those aged 65 and above. Therefore, highlighting consumers who meet this age threshold aligns directly with the core purpose of Medicare, which aims to serve older adults as they transition into retirement and often face different healthcare needs compared to younger individuals.

Additionally, the other options, though they might touch upon groups that can qualify for Medicare under specific circumstances, do not capture the primary eligibility category. Consumers aged 18 or older could qualify in other programs, those under 50 with disabilities can be considered for Medicare but are not the standard qualification, and veterans have distinct programs and benefits available to them but do not automatically qualify for Medicare based purely on their veteran status. Hence, the correct answer focuses on the key demographic that makes up a significant portion of Medicare beneficiaries.