Which consumer is not eligible for a standalone Medicare prescription drug plan?

A consumer who is not enrolled in either Medicare Part A or Part B is not eligible for a standalone Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP). Medicare regulations require individuals to be enrolled in at least one part of Medicare—either Part A, Part B, or both—to be eligible for prescription drug coverage. This ensures that the beneficiaries can access the benefits and protections associated with Medicare, and since a standalone PDP is an extension of Medicare benefits, eligibility is tied to enrollment in the original Medicare parts.

For individuals like Sharon who are enrolled in Part A, Part B, or those who have other health coverage, eligibility for a standalone Medicare prescription drug plan remains intact. Being enrolled in Medicare Part B or Part A provides the necessary framework to access the PDP benefits, while having other health coverage does not disqualify someone from obtaining a PDP but may influence their decision based on coverage needs.