Medicare primarily provides care for which group?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that primarily serves individuals aged 65 and older. This program was established in 1965 with the intent of providing necessary health coverage to older adults who often face increased health needs and may not have sufficient income or access to private health insurance due to their age.

While Medicare does also provide coverage for certain individuals with disabilities, as well as those with specific medical conditions, the main demographic it targets is the elderly. This focus on older adults distinguishes Medicare from other programs like Medicaid, which assists low-income individuals including children, the disabled, and certain eligible adults based on income levels. Therefore, when considering the primary population served, the elderly is the most accurate answer.