Medicare Advantage’s disenrollment period allows Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees to leave their plan and switch back to Original Medicare. Sounds simple, but there are a few things you should be aware of before switching.

(This article was last updated on August of 2017)

Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period

You have from January 1st to February 14th to switch out of your MA plan. You have until February 14th to enroll into a separate Medicare Prescription Drug plan.

“Cans” During MA Disenrollment

You are allowed to do a few things during the disenrollment period:

  • You CAN select a stand alone Medicare Part D Drug plan during this time.
  • You CAN enroll in a Medicare Supplement (AKA Medigap) plan during this time (see below)

“Can’ts” During MA Disenrollment

The following are a few thing not allowed during the disenrollment period:

  • Cannot switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
  • You Cannot switch from one MA plan to another
  • You Cannot switch from one Rx plan to another
  • You Cannot join, drop, or enroll in a Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plan.

What about Switching to Medigap?

As you probably know, Medigap requires medical underwriting in most states to enroll outside of your initial enrollment period. However, there a little known way to switch a Medigap plan if you have had your Medicare Advantage policy for 12 months or less, without having your Medigap insurer check your health records. This switch is allowed even if you had Medigap first, as long as it’s within your first year.

To learn more about the Medicare Advantage disenrollment period options call 800-930-7956 or contact Senior65.