When can a beneficiary enroll in a standalone Part D plan?

A beneficiary can enroll in a standalone Part D plan only if they are not already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. This is because a Medicare Advantage plan may include prescription drug coverage, often referred to as a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan. If a beneficiary is enrolled in such a plan, they are not eligible to enroll in a standalone Part D plan, as it would result in dual enrollment, which is not permitted.

Additionally, the enrollment for standalone Part D plans typically aligns with specific enrollment periods, such as the Annual Election Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Enrolling at other times generally requires the beneficiary to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) under certain circumstances, such as moving, losing other coverage, or other qualifying life events. The options presented highlight different scenarios, but only the correct choice acknowledges the restriction on enrolling in a standalone Part D plan while enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.