Who is eligible for Medicare?

The eligibility for Medicare is primarily based on age and specific health circumstances. Consumers who are 65 years of age or older are automatically eligible for Medicare. Additionally, young individuals who have certain disabilities, such as receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months, can also qualify. Furthermore, individuals diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) are eligible for Medicare regardless of age. This combination of age and medical conditions defines the comprehensive eligibility criteria that Medicare employs.

The other options do not capture the entire scope of eligibility for Medicare. For instance, while consumers aged 60 or older may access some benefits, they do not qualify for Medicare unless they meet additional criteria. Similarly, saying all consumers regardless of age are eligible does not reflect the specific guidelines established for Medicare enrollment. Lastly, limiting eligibility to only those suffering from chronic illnesses disregards the broader eligibility requirements that include age and disability.