What must a beneficiary continue to pay to be eligible for the HMO plan?

To be eligible for a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan, beneficiaries must continue to pay their Medicare Part B premium. This is essential because HMO plans, which are a type of Medicare Advantage plan, require members to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. While the HMO plan often may have additional premiums (which could be a separate Medicare Advantage premium), the Part B premium specifically is necessary for participation in the program and covers essential medical services that HMO plans typically leverage.

By paying the Medicare Part B premium, beneficiaries ensure they have access to outpatient services, doctor visits, and preventive care, which are integral components of the HMO plan's coverage. Thus, maintaining this premium is a critical requirement for enrollment in an HMO plan.