Final answer:
The statement is false; while Medicare is primarily for those 65 and older, those with certain disabilities or conditions can also be eligible. As the elderly population grows, the sustainability of Medicare is a concern due to the increasing number of beneficiaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that no person under the age of 65 is eligible for Medicare is False. While Medicare primarily provides health insurance for those 65 and older, there are exceptions to this rule. People under the age of 65 may be eligible for Medicare if they have certain disabilities, end-stage renal disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
In the early 2000s, around 40 million people in the United States were eligible for Medicare, indicating the program's extensive reach. As the elderly population in the U.S. continues to grow, issues such as Medicare and Social Security become increasingly significant. For example, the elderly tend to be a powerful interest group, contributing time and money to political campaigns, as evidenced by their high voting turnout in presidential elections, including 70% of those over age 65 in the 2012 election, compared to just 49% of 18 to 24-year-olds.
As the percentage of elderly Americans rises, there are growing concerns about the sustainability of Medicare and other federal programs catering to this demographic. The current payroll taxes that fund these programs might not suffice to cover the expected costs due to the increasing number of beneficiaries.