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Can you switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
If you currently have Medicare, you can switch to Medicare Advantage (Part C) from Original Medicare (Parts A & B), or vice versa, during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. If you want to make a switch though, it may also require some additional decisions. The specific choices you need to make depend on which kind of coverage you’re switching to and from.
How to switch to Medicare Advantage from Original MedicareIn this situation, you have Original Medicare and want to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. You may also currently have a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans are all-in-one plans. They cover your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits plus prescription drugs (Part D) and other health services and items not included with Original Medicare. Examples of these other items include coverage for dental health, vision, hearing and gym memberships. Medicare Advantage plans also have an annual out-of-pocket limit to protect you from high costs. You can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan from Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period each fall, October 15 through December 7. And depending on the Medicare Advantage plan you get, if you have a stand-alone Part D plan, you may no longer need it. A few things to keep in mind when choosing to get a Medicare Advantage plan
Do I need to do anything after I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?Once you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during Annual Enrollment, the plan will work with Medicare to transfer your benefits. You don’t have to contact Medicare yourself. Your new plan will begin covering you on January 1. If you have a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan or other private Medicare plan, you’ll need to contact the plan provider directly to dis-enroll. Simply call the number on the back of your insurance member ID card. When deciding to change to a Medicare Advantage plan, keep the following in mind:
How to switch to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage planOriginal Medicare only provides Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage). It does not provide some of the benefits you may have with your Medicare Advantage plan, like drug coverage, dental, vision or fitness. Original Medicare also doesn’t have an annual out-of-pocket limit, so there’s no built-in financial protection. To switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare, you will need to contact your plan provider or Medicare directly. You can contact Medicare via the Medicare helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048. You may want to add coverage if you switch to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage planWhen you drop your Medicare Advantage plan, you will lose coverage for other health services and items such as for prescription drugs and vision or dental. You will also lose built-in financial protection on out-of-pocket costs. If you want to still have these items, you will need to purchase additional coverage, or pay directly out-of-pocket. For example, if you want prescription drug coverage, you will now need to find and enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan. If you decide you want additional coverage, you will need to choose a plan and enroll directly with the plan provider. Search available plans using your zip code here. You do need to tell your Medicare Advantage plan you want to leaveAgain, you do need to contact your plan provider directly to disenroll, but once you do, nothing more is required on your part. Once you contact your Medicare Advantage plan during Annual Enrollment to dis-enroll, your coverage will automatically revert to Original Medicare. You don’t have to contact Medicare yourself. Your new coverage will begin on January 1. Think carefully when choosing your Medicare coverageThink carefully about your options and which coverage is right for your health and lifestyle. Your next opportunity to change your Medicare coverage won’t be until the next year’s Annual Enrollment Period, unless you experience a qualifying life event and become eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. More articlesMore articlesGet the latestBoost your Medicare know-how with the reliable, up-to-date news and information delivered to your inbox every month. Find a planEnter your ZIP code for plans in your area Meet with usMake an appointment with a licensed insurance agent/producer in your area Can you switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a supplement plan?Once you've left your Medicare Advantage plan and enrolled in Original Medicare, you are generally eligible to apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan.
Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?Yes, you can elect to switch to traditional Medicare from your Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Your coverage under traditional Medicare will begin January 1 of the following year.
Is there a penalty to switch from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare?You're free to leave Medicare Advantage and enroll in certain types of private plans. If your employer or union offers a plan that you find more appealing than Medicare Advantage, you can disenroll without penalty.
Can I switch back to a Medigap from Medicare Advantage?Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare drug plans. If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan when you were first eligible for Medicare, you can choose from any Medigap policy.
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