Can I Go Back to Original Medicare After Medicare Advantage?

Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans offer an alternative to Original Medicare, bundling Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) into one plan. Some even include additional benefits like vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage. While these plans can be convenient, they may not be the best choice for everyone, and some people may wish to switch back to Original Medicare.

How to Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare

If you’re considering a move back to Original Medicare, there are certain steps and timings to consider. The process generally involves:

• Understanding your current Medicare Advantage Plan and any restrictions or benefits it includes.
• Reviewing the open enrollment period when you can make changes to your Medicare Plan.
• Deciding whether you need a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) to cover costs not included in Original Medicare.

Open Enrollment and Switching to Original Medicare

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. During this time, you can disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and switch to Original Medicare. Additionally, the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 is another window to make changes to your Medicare coverage. It’s crucial to review your options during these periods to ensure you make the best decision for your healthcare needs.

Back to Original Medicare: What You Need to Know

Going back to Original Medicare involves more than just dropping your current plan. Consider the following:

• Contact your current Medicare Advantage Plan to initiate the disenrollment process.
• Ensure you enroll in Medicare Part B if you haven’t already.
• Consider enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan to help cover additional costs.

Understanding Medicare Part B and Prescription Drug Coverage

When you switch back to Original Medicare, remember that you’ll need to handle your prescription drug coverage separately. You can enroll in a stand-alone Part D drug plan to cover medications. Make sure to compare different plans to find one that meets your needs and budget.

Medicare Supplement Plans: Do You Need One?

Original Medicare doesn’t cover all healthcare costs, so many people opt for Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap. These plans help cover out-of-pocket expenses like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. It’s important to understand:

• Not all Medigap Plans are available in every state.
• You may have to undergo medical underwriting if you apply outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re looking to switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare, BoomerBaby is here to assist. With experienced agents in Mill Valley, CA; Bend, OR; Santa Ana, CA; Sun Valley, ID; and Boulder, CO, we can guide you through the transition process. Call us today at 1 (800) 903-8044 and let us help you find the best Medicare Plan for your needs.