Medicare coverage includes which groups?

• A. 65 and older; under 65 with disabilities; ESRD
• B. Only for hospital patients
• C. Covers all long-term care
• D. Only for physician services

Answer: (A)

Medicare serves three groups: people 65 and older; younger individuals who have been awarded Social Security Disability Insurance for at least 24 months; and people with End-Stage Renal Disease who require dialysis or a transplant. This eligibility isn’t limited to hospital stays—the program covers a range of services, including inpatient hospital care, some skilled nursing and home health services, and physician services, among others. It isn’t restricted to hospital patients, and it doesn’t cover all long-term custodial care costs, which is why a statement claiming it covers all long-term care isn’t accurate. It also isn’t limited to physician services, since Medicare includes many other covered benefits beyond doctors’ visits.