FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

Which individuals are automatically covered under Medicare Part A?

1. Only individuals with disabilities

2. Individuals over 75 years old

3. Individuals aged 65 and over eligible for social security benefits

4. Individuals with private health insurance

The correct answer is: Individuals aged 65 and over eligible for social security benefits

Individuals aged 65 and over who are eligible for social security benefits are automatically covered under Medicare Part A due to the program's design. Medicare is primarily a health insurance program for seniors, and reaching the age of 65 or qualifying for social security disability for a certain period provides eligibility for coverage. This is aligned with the policy intent of Medicare to provide healthcare support to older adults who have typically contributed to the system through payroll taxes during their working years. While individuals with disabilities can also qualify for Medicare, coverage under Part A is not solely limited to those individuals. Furthermore, simply being over 75 years old does not guarantee Medicare coverage without the eligibility criteria being met, and having private health insurance does not influence Medicare Part A entitlement. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the primary eligibility criteria for automatic Medicare Part A coverage.