One question many seniors ask our agents is: can you switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Medigap? The monthly premiums are generally low (sometimes even $0), and it often feels like you are getting extra benefits bundled in. But after spending some time on an Advantage plan, some Medicare beneficiaries realize that they prefer the flexibility of Original Medicare and the predictable costs of a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan.

The good news is that if you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can absolutely apply for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy. Below, this Medicare Supplement agency in Knox, Indiana is going to explain how it works.

What are the steps to drop Medicare Advantage and get Medigap?

Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap is a two-part process. First, you must leave your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Then, once you are back on Original Medicare, you apply for a Medigap plan.

That second part is important because Medigap does not automatically start just because you dropped Medicare Advantage. You must submit a separate application.

And depending on your situation, you may have to go through medical underwriting. So, the insurance company can check your health history and approval is not guaranteed in every case. This is why timing is everything, and why it’s essential to plan carefully with an experienced Medicare Supplement agency in Knox, Indiana.

What’s the best time of year to move from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Medicare has specific enrollment windows where you are allowed to make changes. And if you want to go from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, there are two main timeframes people typically use.

The first (and most popular) window is the Annual Election Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. This is the best time to switch because it gives you time to compare your options and get everything lined up for the new year. If you make your change during this period, your coverage will update on January 1.

The other option is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through March 31. This period is only for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this window, you can drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. And when Medicare processes it, the change usually takes effect on the first day of the next month.

Again, remember that switching back to Original Medicare does not automatically mean you will have Medigap coverage. Medigap is always a separate application. And unless you qualify for special protections, there is a real chance you could be subject to medical underwriting.

What is the Medicare Advantage trial right?

One of the most helpful Medicare rules for people in your position is the Medicare Advantage trial right. This rule exists because Medicare recognizes that beneficiaries may want to try out Medicare Advantage and then return to Medigap if it does not work for them.

In general, if you joined a Medicare Advantage plan when you first became eligible for Medicare and you decide within the first 12 months that you want to switch back, you may have the right to buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting. You could have guaranteed access to Medicare Supplement coverage, and you don’t have to roll the dice with underwriting.

That 12-month trial window can be the deciding factor in whether you are protected or treated like a brand-new Medigap applicant. If you think trial rights might apply to you, confirm them before making any changes. A qualified Medicare Supplement agency in Knox, Indiana can help you check your eligibility and understand the deadlines. They know how to help individuals make the switch without creating gaps in coverage or missing a key enrollment window.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement agency in Knox, Indiana?

If you want to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare and Medigap, now is the time to talk to an experienced Medicare Supplement agency in Knox, Indiana. Our licensed agents at Senior Care Insurance Services (SCIS) can help you learn your enrollment timelines and if you qualify for guaranteed issue rights or trial rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.