Final answer:
The only patient who clearly meets Medicare's eligibility criteria is the 23-year-old woman who has been blind since birth, as Medicare covers the blind and those with disabilities if they receive SSDI. Other patients may also meet the criteria if they have disabilities and receive SSDI.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which patient meets Medicare's eligibility criteria. The criteria for Medicare, a government program that provides health insurance, primarily include individuals who are 65 years and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant). Here are the scenarios matched with eligibility:
- A 45-year-old man with a back injury: Does not meet the age requirement, though he may qualify if the disability is permanent and he receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
- A 61-year-old woman who recently retired: Does not meet the age requirement unless she is disabled or meets other specific criteria.
- A 23-year-old woman who has been blind since birth: Likely eligible due to disability as Medicare covers the blind and disabled if they receive SSDI.
- A 53-year-old man who received a liver transplant: Potentially eligible if he is deemed permanently disabled and receives SSDI.
Therefore, based on the given information, the 23-year-old blind woman meets the eligibility criteria due to disability. Other candidates may qualify if they meet specific disability requirements and receive SSDI.