If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan you have a right to switch to a Medigap Plan (Medicare Supplement) without health review under certain limited circumstances. Normally you have a one-year Medicare Advantage trial period after which you can dis-enroll and purchase a Medigap Plan. In Maine, this trial period is three years long.
How does the Maine Medicare Advantage 3-year Trial Period work?
If you enroll in Medicare Advantage during your six-month open enrollment period, beginning when you first enroll in Medicare Part B, and then switch to original Medicare Part A and Part B within three years, you have the right to buy any Medicare supplement plan of your choice as long as you buy it within 90 days after your Medicare Advantage coverage ends.
This rule also works if you started with Medigap, switched to Medicare Advantage but changed your mind and want to go back to Medigap. If you try to return to Medigap in 36 months or less, you have the right to buy an equivalent or less comprehensive Medicare supplement without Medical underwriting.
The Best Time to Switch Using the Maine Trial Rule
If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may need to switch to a Medigap law sooner than 36 months years because there are only certain times you can disenroll in your Medicare Advantage plan. The best time to use the Maine 3-year Trial Right Medigap rule is during Open Enrollment AEP (between October 15th and Dec 7th).
Most of our clients who are using this rule first apply to Medigap during AEP. Once the Medigap provider confirms the client qualifies for the 3-year trail period, we help you enroll in a Part D drug plan. Enrolling in Part D automatically disenrolls you in Medicare Advantage. Using this method, your current Medicare Advantage ends on Dec 31st and your Medigap and Part D start on January 1. Give us a call at 800-930-7956 we can help at no charge to you.
Next Steps
Now that you know this great rule exists, it’s time to enroll! You can get a Medigap quote here. If you want help over the phone, give us a call at 1-800-930-7956. We can help you enroll for the first time or switch coverage.