What should Ms. Gibson understand about obtaining drug coverage with her new PPO plan?

The correct understanding for Ms. Gibson regarding drug coverage with her new PPO plan is that she cannot purchase a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan. This is due to the fact that a Medicare Advantage plan, such as a PPO, frequently includes drug coverage as part of its benefits. When a beneficiary is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that provides drug coverage, they are not permitted to buy a separate stand-alone Part D plan, as this could lead to duplicate coverage and potential complications with Medicare compliance.

Understanding this helps beneficiaries like Ms. Gibson navigate their options effectively. She should be well-aware that enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan with included drug coverage implies that she will not have the flexibility to obtain a separate drug plan, thus making it essential for her to verify the extent of coverage offered by her PPO plan to ensure it meets her medication needs.