What eligibility requirements must someone meet to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan necessitates residing in the service area of the plan. Each Medicare Advantage plan has a defined geographical area where it operates, and individuals must live within that area to be eligible for coverage. This is fundamental because it ensures that the healthcare services provided by the plan are accessible to the enrolled members.

While other conditions, such as being entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B, are typically important for eligibility, the requirement to reside within the service area is crucial for the operational effectiveness of the plan. Without residing in the designated area, individuals would not be able to access the healthcare providers and facilities affiliated with the plan, which undermines the purpose of the coverage.

Being of a certain age or having specific health conditions, like End Stage Renal Disease, are not universal eligibility requirements for all Medicare Advantage plans and thus do not affect the fundamental need to reside in the plan's designated area.