Which patients would qualify for Medicare coverage?

The correct answer is that a 67-year-old man with pneumonia would qualify for Medicare coverage. Medicare is primarily designed to provide health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older, regardless of their income or health status. As a result, an individual who is 67 years old meets the age criterion for Medicare eligibility, which is a fundamental aspect of the program.

In addition to age, Medicare does extend coverage to certain younger individuals who have disabilities or specific health conditions. However, in the context of the other options, the 40-year-old physically handicapped man may also qualify for Medicare if he has received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, but the option does not explicitly mention this. The 30-year-old irregularly employed woman with appendicitis would not qualify, as she is under 65 and does not fall into the disabled category necessary for Medicare eligibility. Similarly, the 50-year-old sales executive with a leg fracture does not meet the age requirement and is not specified to have a disability, thus disqualifying them from Medicare.