What are the eligibility requirements for Mrs. Walters to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan?

The eligibility requirement for Mrs. Walters to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan centers around her enrollment in Medicare. Specifically, individuals need to be entitled to Medicare Part A and/or enrolled in Part B to qualify for a Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP). This means that as long as Mrs. Walters meets either of these conditions, she can enroll in a PDP.

Being entitled to Part A generally occurs when individuals have worked and paid Medicare taxes for a sufficient period or meet other specified criteria, while enrollment in Part B involves paying a monthly premium and being actively signed up for that coverage.

This foundational eligibility is crucial because it ties the availability of prescription drug coverage directly to the individual's Medicare status, ensuring they have access to necessary healthcare services beyond just drug coverage. Thus, an understanding of this requirement is essential for anyone involved in Medicare plans or advising beneficiaries about their options.