Who qualifies as a beneficiary under Medicare?

A beneficiary under Medicare is specifically defined as an individual who qualifies for healthcare insurance through the Medicare program. This includes individuals who are typically aged 65 or older, as well as younger individuals who have certain disabilities or specific health conditions such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The key aspect of being a beneficiary is that these individuals receive benefits directly for healthcare services covered by Medicare.

In contrast, healthcare providers, while essential for delivering services to beneficiaries, do not qualify as beneficiaries themselves. Family members of Medicare participants may be involved in the care process but do not receive benefits directly from Medicare unless they meet specific eligibility criteria as beneficiaries. Similarly, social workers play a supportive role in assisting patients but are not classified as beneficiaries under the Medicare program. This distinction is important in understanding who is eligible for healthcare benefits and services provided through Medicare.