83. To enroll in Medicare Part C, an individual must:
Answer: D
To enroll in Medicare Part C, an individual must already be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B.
Enrollment in Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, requires individuals to be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B. This ensures that beneficiaries have comprehensive coverage before accessing the additional benefits offered by Part C.
A) also enroll in Medicare Part D
While individuals can choose to enroll in Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage, it is not a requirement for enrolling in Medicare Part C. Therefore, this option is incorrect as it does not satisfy the enrollment criteria for Part C.
B) have an annual income under $15,000
There are no income restrictions of this nature for enrolling in Medicare Part C. Enrollment is based on eligibility for Parts A and B, making this option incorrect.
C) already be enrolled in Medicare Part A only
Having only Medicare Part A does not meet the requirement for enrolling in Medicare Part C. Individuals must be enrolled in both Parts A and B, rendering this option incorrect.
D) already be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B
This is the correct answer because eligibility for Medicare Part C is contingent upon enrollment in both Medicare Parts A and B. Without this dual enrollment, one cannot participate in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Conclusion
The necessity to be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B before accessing Medicare Part C is a fundamental aspect of the program's structure. Options A, B, and C fail to meet the enrollment criteria, confirming that D is the only correct choice. Understanding these requirements ensures that individuals can navigate their Medicare options effectively.