How does the service area of a Medicare Advantage plan affect member eligibility?

The correct answer highlights that members of a Medicare Advantage plan must reside within the plan’s defined service area to be eligible for coverage. Each Medicare Advantage plan has a specific geographic area in which it operates, and this area is determined by various factors, including the provider networks and the availability of healthcare resources.

For a member to enroll in a particular Medicare Advantage plan, they must have a permanent residence within that designated service area. This ensures that the member has access to the healthcare providers and facilities that are part of the plan's network, which is crucial for receiving the benefits offered by the plan.

In contrast, other choices address different aspects of Medicare Advantage plans. The option about eligibility regardless of location does not align with the requirement of residing within a service area, while the statements about premiums and the number of specialists pertain to plan features rather than the eligibility criteria associated with location. These factors can influence a plan but do not directly determine if a member can enroll based on their residential address.