South Carolina Insurance Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT taken into consideration when determining eligibility for Medicare benefits?

1. Income

2. Age

3. Citizenship status

4. Employment history

The correct answer is: Income

Medicare eligibility is primarily based on factors such as age, which requires individuals to be 65 years or older, as well as citizenship status, where individuals must be U.S. citizens or legal residents to qualify for benefits. Employment history is also relevant, particularly for qualifying for premium-free Part A, which requires a person to have worked and paid Medicare taxes for a specified number of quarters. Income, however, does not play a role in determining eligibility for Medicare benefits. While income can affect the cost of certain aspects of Medicare—such as premiums for Part B or Part D—it does not influence whether an individual can enroll in Medicare itself. Essentially, all individuals meeting the age and citizenship criteria can access Medicare regardless of their financial situation.