Medicare eligibility is based on what criteria?

• A. Age 65+, or contributions during working years
• B. Residency in a specified state
• C. Having a disability for less than 2 years
• D. Based on income level alone

Answer: (A)

Medicare eligibility is driven by age or work history with Medicare tax contributions. Most people qualify when they turn 65 and have paid Medicare taxes through work for a sufficient period (typically about 10 years, or 40 quarters), which allows them to enroll in Part A with no premium. Residency in a particular state isn’t a factor, and simply having a disability for a short period doesn’t establish eligibility on its own, nor does income level determine qualification. There are other paths to coverage for certain younger individuals (such as those with disabilities after a period of SSDI benefits or specific conditions like ESRD or ALS), but the primary gateway for most is age 65 or meeting the work-history requirement.