Which individual would likely lack the authority to enroll someone in a Medicare Advantage Plan?

The correct choice is the consumer's spouse. In the context of enrolling someone in a Medicare Advantage Plan, the authority to make such decisions typically requires legal documentation that formalizes the ability to act on behalf of the individual. While a spouse may certainly assist in the process or provide necessary information, they are not automatically granted the authority to enroll their partner without proper legal backing.

A child, power of attorney, or legal guardian has established roles that may allow them to make decisions regarding health care and insurance on behalf of their parent or ward. A power of attorney, for example, is a legal document that specifically grants someone the right to handle another individual’s affairs, including healthcare matters. Similarly, a legal guardian has the formal legal status that allows them to make decisions for someone else, often in situations where the individual cannot make decisions for themselves.

In contrast, a spouse does not possess automatic enrollment authority unless there is an explicit legal agreement that designates them as such. This distinction is important in understanding how healthcare enrollment processes function, particularly in programs like Medicare Advantage, which often require specific types of authorization for decisions about medical coverage.