The demographic group that uses Medicare the most, representing the overwhelming majority of its beneficiaries, are individuals aged 65 and older.
Medicare primarily serves seniors, with a significant 88% of all Medicare beneficiaries falling into the 65 and older age bracket. While Medicare also provides coverage for certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific health conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), seniors constitute the largest user group by a considerable margin.
In terms of race and ethnicity among all Medicare users, White individuals represent the largest proportion.
Key Demographics of Medicare Users
The following table highlights the distribution of Medicare beneficiaries by age and race/ethnicity:
| Demographic Group | Share of All Medicare Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
| Age | |
| 65 and older | 88% |
| Race/Ethnicity | |
| White | 75% |
| Black | 10% |
These statistics underscore that older adults and White individuals form the largest segments of the Medicare beneficiary population, reflecting the program's foundational role in providing health coverage for seniors and its overall demographic composition.
