Final answer:
To qualify for Medicare Part D, you must select a standalone prescription drug plan; enrollment in Medicare Advantage, income levels, or having a chronic condition are not criteria for eligibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
To qualify for a Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan or PDP), one does not need to enroll in Medicare Advantage, meet income eligibility criteria, or have a chronic medical condition. The correct answer is D) By selecting a standalone prescription drug plan.
Medicare Part D is a federal program to subsidize the costs of prescription drugs and prescription drug insurance premiums for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. It was enacted as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003. This act addressed the lack of prescription drug coverage for Medicare recipients, who are predominantly the elderly and disabled, addressing a significant public health need.
The introduction of Medicare prescription benefits has been an important improvement in the healthcare system, providing critical support to those who require numerous medications. However, it has also been subject to criticism for its high costs, heavy overhead, and potential inflationary impact on the prices of prescription drugs.