Final answer:
Mrs. Davenport can join a Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment, switch MA plans, or opt for Original Medicare with a Part D prescription drug plan due to changes in the law that, as of 2021, allow individuals with ESRD to enroll in Medicare Advantage.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Mrs. Davenport enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in mid-February of 2021, her options during the next open enrollment period would have expanded due to changes in the law. Previously, individuals with ESRD were generally not eligible to enroll in an MA plan unless they were already enrolled in one when they developed the condition. However, starting in 2021, due to the 21st Century Cures Act, people with ESRD are now able to join a Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment, just like other Medicare beneficiaries.
During the open enrollment period, Mrs. Davenport will have the option to remain with her current MA plan, switch to a different MA plan, or return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), and if she wishes, add a Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. It's important for her to consider the coverage options, such as network restrictions and the specific benefits offered by various MA plans, to find the one that best suits her healthcare needs. It would also be beneficial for Mrs. Davenport to compare the out-of-pocket costs, including premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance associated with her current or new plan options.
The Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 introduced a prescription drug benefit (Medicare Part D) and other assistance programs, aiding Medicare beneficiaries like Mrs. Davenport, by helping to lower their annual prescription drug costs.