Mrs. Berkowitz wishes to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage. Can she also enroll in a stand-alone Medicare prescription plan?

The correct answer is based on the structure and regulations surrounding Medicare Advantage plans and stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans (PDPs). Individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan generally receive their Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through the plan, and in some cases, these plans may include prescription drug coverage. However, Mrs. Berkowitz has expressed a desire to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that specifically does not include drug coverage.

Selecting a plan type like a Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan that excludes drug coverage enables her to pursue separate drug coverage options. Therefore, she can still enroll in a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan. This is allowable as long as the Medicare Advantage plan she selects does not include drug coverage, thus providing her the flexibility to obtain medication coverage through a source other than her chosen Advantage plan.

In contrast, if she chose an Advantage plan that includes drug coverage, she would not be eligible to enroll in a stand-alone PDP, as Medicare rules restrict individuals in such plans from obtaining additional drug coverage. Additionally, enrollment conditions can vary, and while being enrolled in Part B is necessary for many Medicare processes, it does not preclude the enrollment in a stand-alone plan in the context stated. The option to enroll exclusively