What condition must someone meet to be eligible for Medicare based on disability?

To qualify for Medicare based on a disability, an individual must meet specific criteria, specifically regarding their age and the status of their disability. One of the avenues for eligibility is for those who were disabled before reaching age 22. If a child becomes disabled before the age of 22, they may qualify for Medicare if they continue to meet the disability requirements. This provision recognizes that disability can affect individuals at a young age, and it allows them to access necessary healthcare services as they transition into adulthood.

The other options describe conditions that do not align with Medicare's criteria for disability-based eligibility. Being 65 or older is the standard qualification for retirees, military service does not automatically grant Medicare benefits, and there is no requirement for five consecutive years of treatment for eligibility. Each of these options fails to capture the specific criteria of disability—as outlined in Medicare regulations—that allow those who became disabled before age 22 to qualify.