How often can dual-eligible beneficiaries change their plans?

Dual-eligible beneficiaries have unique rights when it comes to changing their plans. They can modify their Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage during specific periods. The correct answer highlights that they can make changes in each quarter except for the fourth quarter of the year.

This flexibility is designed to provide dual-eligible individuals, who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, with easier access to suitable healthcare options that meet their evolving needs. The designated enrollment periods each quarter allow for adjustments based on changes in health, circumstances, or availability of new plans.

Other options do not accurately reflect the rules governing plan changes for dual-eligible beneficiaries. For instance, stating they can only change their plans once a year overlooks the additional opportunities available throughout the year. Suggesting they can only change their plans in January ignores the multiple quarterly windows for adjustments. Claiming they can do so whenever they want misrepresents the structured nature of Medicare's enrollment periods, which are limited to certain times to ensure an organized system.