What is the eligibility requirement for enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan?

The eligibility requirement for enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan is that one must be entitled to Part A or enrolled in Part B. This means that individuals who qualify for Medicare based on age (generally 65 years and older) or have a qualifying disability can access the benefits of a prescription drug plan as long as they meet either of these criteria.

This is an important aspect of Medicare since it ensures that beneficiaries have access to necessary medications, regardless of whether they are utilizing Part A, which covers hospital insurance, or Part B, which covers outpatient medical services. By allowing enrollment based on entitlement to Part A or enrollment in Part B, Medicare effectively broadens the number of individuals who can receive drug coverage, addressing the diverse needs of its beneficiaries.

Mandatory enrollment in both Part A and Part B, age requirements, or the existence of a group health plan are not necessary for drug plan eligibility, thus making the requirement focusing on either entitlement to Part A or enrollment in Part B the correct basis for eligibility.