What circumstance allows Mrs. Berkowitz to enroll in a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan?

A stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP) can be enrolled in by beneficiaries under specific circumstances related to their existing coverage. In this case, if Mrs. Berkowitz is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan that is a Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan without drug coverage, she is eligible to enroll in a stand-alone PDP.

The rationale behind this is that PFFS plans may not include prescription drug coverage; therefore, those beneficiaries have the option to seek separate prescription drug coverage through a stand-alone plan. It's important that they do not have drug coverage available through their MA plan, as that would restrict their ability to enroll in a stand-alone PDP.

This creates a safety net for those who find themselves needing separate prescription drug coverage without losing their Medicare Advantage benefits, which enhances their overall healthcare options.