Can You Cancel Medicare Advantage at Any Time?

September 10, 2024•3 min read

Understanding Your Medicare Advantage Plan

Are you considering canceling your Medicare Advantage Plan? Whether you are unhappy with your current plan or looking for better coverage, it’s important to understand your options and the rules that apply.

A Medicare Advantage Plan, also known as Medicare Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare that offers additional benefits. However, you might find that it doesn't meet your needs.

What is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). If you decide to drop your Medicare Advantage Plan, you will return to Original Medicare. This might mean you need to enroll in a separate drug plan or consider Medigap for additional coverage.

Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare

If you decide to switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, you can do so during certain times of the year:

During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7).
During the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (January 1 - February 14).
During a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is the most common time to make changes to your Medicare coverage. During this period, you can:

Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.
Join a Medicare drug plan if you return to Original Medicare.

Drug Plan Options

If you return to Original Medicare, you may need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. It's important to review the available plans to find one that meets your needs.

Special Enrollment Periods

There are certain situations where you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. These include:

Moving out of your plan’s service area.
Losing other insurance coverage.
Qualifying for other special circumstances.

How to Enroll in a New Plan

To enroll in a new Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan, you must do so during an enrollment period. This can be the Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.

Part B Enrollment

If you are dropping your Medicare Advantage Plan and returning to Original Medicare, make sure you are enrolled in Part B. If you initially delayed Part B enrollment, you might need to sign up during a specific enrollment period.

Medicare Advantage Plan and Returning to Original Medicare

If you decide to disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare, your new coverage will generally start the month after the plan gets your request. Make sure to plan accordingly to avoid any gaps in your coverage.

Switch to Another Medicare Advantage Plan

If you are not satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to another plan during the Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.

Understanding Your Current Medicare Advantage Plan

Reviewing your current Medicare Advantage Plan can help you decide if you want to keep it or switch to another plan. Consider factors such as coverage, benefits, and any changes to the plan for the upcoming year.

Enrolling in Medicare for the First Time

If you are new to Medicare, the Initial Enrollment Period is your first chance to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B and to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan if you prefer. This period starts three months before you turn 65 and lasts for seven months.