Final answer:
In enrolling for MA/MAPD plans, applicants might be asked about having end-stage renal disease for eligibility. However, due to law changes, MA plans no longer require medical underwriting based on health status or medical history, except for Special Needs Plans tailored for certain conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When enrolling in a Medicare Advantage (MA) or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan, there are health questions that applicants might be asked, though the scope of these questions can vary. Generally, one key question is related to whether the applicant has end-stage renal disease (ESRD), as this condition has specific eligibility requirements. However, due to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, starting in 2021, individuals with ESRD became eligible to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans.
Other than for ESRD, Medicare Advantage plans are not allowed to ask medical questions or require medical underwriting, meaning health status, medical condition history, or previous medical expenses don't influence eligibility. Most applicants are generally asked only a few health-related questions, mainly for statistical or informational purposes, rather than for determination of eligibility or coverage levels. Specific health questions may also be asked when enrolling for a Special Needs Plan, which is a type of MA plan tailored for individuals with certain diseases or characteristics.