How to Change from Medicare Advantage to Medicare

Medicare permits beneficiaries to choose between original Medicare fee-for-service and a private health plan offered through the Medicare Advantage program. Medicare Advantage enrollees who are not satisfied with their coverage can change plans to traditional Medicare or another Medicare Advantage plan.

Beneficiaries can switch to, from and between Medicare Advantage plans from November 15 through March 31 each year or during any special enrollment period that may apply to their situation. From November 15 through December 31, beneficiaries can also add or drop prescription drug coverage.

Things You'll Need

• Medicare claim number from red, white and blue Medicare card

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine whether you are entitled to a special enrollment period. In addition to the open enrollment period, you can switch into or out of Medicare Advantage:

  while living in an institutional setting such as a skilled nursing facility or long-term-care hospital and within two months of moving from the facility
  GO

  within two months of termination of Medicaid coverage
  GO

  within twelve months of the first time switching from original Medicare with a Medigap plan to Medicare Advantage
  GO

  within two months of receiving notice that Medicare Advantage enrollment was due to an error by a federal employee.

• 2

  During the general or special enrollment period, disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. You can also disenroll through a written request to your Medicare Advantage plan.

• 3

  Select a prescription drug plan (if you wish to receive drug coverage). Medicare maintains a convenient tool for comparing benefits, premiums and ratings for Part D plans.

  Use the Part D plan finder in the Resources section to find and enroll in a drug plan.

• 4

  Decide whether to enroll in a Medicare supplement. These plans, referred to as Medigap policies, cover deductibles, copayments and services not covered by original Medicare.

  Consult the Medigap plan finder in the Resources section to compare Medigap policies in your area.

• 5

  Continue using providers within your Medicare Advantage plan until the effective date of your disenrollment. This will be the first day of the month following your request. Upon disenrollment, your enrollment in original Medicare is automatic.

• 6

  Call Medicare to confirm Medicare Advantage disenrollment at 1-800-MEDICARE prior to seeking medical care from providers outside your Medicare Advantage network.