Rosanna is enrolled in an MA-Only Private Fee-for-Service plan and wants prescription drug coverage. Which option is available to her if she is in a valid election period?

Rosanna is enrolled in an MA-Only Private Fee-for-Service plan and wants prescription drug coverage. Which option is available to her if she is in a valid election period?

• A. Switch to MA-PD.
• B. Stay enrolled in the MA-Only PFFS plan and enroll in a stand-alone PDP.
• C. Cancel all coverage.
• D. Enroll in Original Medicare.

Answer: (B)

When a Medicare Advantage plan is MA-Only and does not include prescription drug coverage, you can obtain drug coverage by enrolling in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) while staying enrolled in your MA-Only plan, as long as you’re in a valid election period. This lets you keep the benefits of your MA-Only PFFS plan for medical coverage while adding drug coverage through the PDP, without switching plans. Switching to MA-PD would also provide drug coverage but would alter your current plan, which isn’t what this option emphasizes. Canceling all coverage or enrolling in Original Medicare would remove the MA benefits you have, which isn’t advantageous if you’re seeking integrated coverage.

When a Medicare Advantage plan is MA-Only and does not include prescription drug coverage, you can obtain drug coverage by enrolling in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) while staying enrolled in your MA-Only plan, as long as you’re in a valid election period. This lets you keep the benefits of your MA-Only PFFS plan for medical coverage while adding drug coverage through the PDP, without switching plans. Switching to MA-PD would also provide drug coverage but would alter your current plan, which isn’t what this option emphasizes. Canceling all coverage or enrolling in Original Medicare would remove the MA benefits you have, which isn’t advantageous if you’re seeking integrated coverage.