Medicare is primarily designed for which group of individuals?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program specifically aimed at providing coverage for people aged 65 and older, as well as for certain younger individuals who have qualifying disabilities. The program was established to ensure that older adults and individuals with disabilities have access to necessary medical care and services.

The focus on individuals aged 65 and over stems from the understanding that as people age, they typically experience more health problems, making healthcare access crucial. Additionally, for those under 65, Medicare can assist those who are disabled and have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or who have specific diseases such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

This design caters specifically to the needs of these groups, ensuring that they receive the medical support necessary for their age-related or disability-related health conditions. Other options listed target different demographics that are not the primary focus of the program; for instance, families with dependent minors or low-income individuals typically fall under other assistance programs rather than Medicare.