To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, which requirement must be met?

To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, one of the primary requirements is that an individual must be entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This requirement is fundamental because Medicare Advantage plans are designed as an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits, which include those provided under Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).

Part A eligibility typically means that individuals have worked a minimum number of quarters in the U.S. and have paid Medicare taxes, thus qualifying them for premium-free coverage. Enrollment in Part B is also crucial as it provides coverage for outpatient care, preventive services, and various other medical services, which are encompassed in Medicare Advantage plans.

Other options do not align with the eligibility requirements for Medicare Advantage. For example, residing outside the service area would disqualify an individual, as these plans are restricted to specific geographic locations. Income thresholds pertain more to programs like Medicaid rather than Medicare Advantage. Lastly, having pre-existing conditions does not disqualify someone from Medicare Advantage; in fact, these plans cannot deny coverage based on health status, making the system more accessible to those with previous health issues.