Yes, you can switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare and potentially purchase a Medicare Supplement plan, but getting Medigap isn’t automatically guaranteed every time you leave Medicare Advantage.
You first need an enrollment period that allows you to leave Medicare Advantage.
Then you need to determine whether you have a Medigap Open Enrollment right, guaranteed-issue right, trial right or state-specific protection.
Otherwise, medical underwriting may apply.
Common opportunities include:
October 15–December 7
January 1–March 31
Special Enrollment Periods can also apply in qualifying circumstances.
Step 2: Determine Whether You Can Get Medigap
This is the step I want completed before dropping Medicare Advantage whenever possible.
Ask:
Do I have guaranteed issue?
Do I have a trial right?
Does my state give me special Medigap rights?
Will I need medical underwriting?
Step 3: Compare Medigap Plans and Premiums
If you’re eligible to purchase Medigap, compare:
Plan G
Plan N
and other appropriate options.
Step 4: Arrange Part D Coverage
Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.
When returning to Original Medicare, you may need a separate Part D plan.
Certain beneficiaries who try Medicare Advantage have federal Medigap protections if they return to Original Medicare within the applicable 12-month trial period.
The exact right depends on how and when you entered Medicare Advantage.
Switching From Medicare Advantage to Medigap
The order of operations is critical.
I don’t want someone to:
Cancel Medicare Advantage → return to Original Medicare → then ask whether they can get Plan G.
I want them to ask about Medigap eligibility first.
Depending on your health and state, you may have to pass medical underwriting.
So before making the move, determine whether you can actually get the supplemental coverage you want.
Medicare Advantage plans cover Medicare-covered cancer treatment, including qualifying chemotherapy, but plan networks, prior authorization rules and out-of-pocket costs can become especially important when someone has cancer.
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, also commonly called Medicare Open Enrollment, runs, October 15 through December 7 each year.
