A standalone Medicare prescription drug plan, known as a Medicare Part D plan, is specifically designed for individuals who are eligible for Medicare and who want prescription drug coverage. The Medicare program consists of various parts, with Part A covering hospital insurance and Part B covering medical insurance.
Individuals who are not enrolled in either Medicare Part A or Part B do not meet the eligibility criteria for a standalone Medicare Part D plan. This is because eligibility for Part D requires enrollment in either Part A or Part B. Therefore, Sharon, who is not enrolled in either part of Medicare, is ineligible for a standalone Medicare prescription drug plan.
On the other hand, John, who is only enrolled in Medicare Part A, and Emily, who is enrolled in both Parts A and B, are eligible for a Part D plan. Steve, who is recently eligible for Medicare, could also apply for a Part D plan as long as he enrolls in either Part A or Part B. Thus, those individuals have met the necessary conditions to qualify for a standalone Medicare prescription drug plan.