Medicare Advantage enrollees may not be aware there is a loophole that you can switch to a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap), without answering medical questions, in the first year of coverage (except Maine’s three year rule). While this is available, there are qualifications you must meet to make the MA to Medigap switch.
How to Switch from MA to Medigap in 1st Year
There are two ways to switch from Medicare Advantage (Part C) to Medigap without medical underwriting in the first year of enrollment. The chart below will explain the circumstance, which plans you can switch to, and the time frame you must switch in.
| Switching Right | You can enroll in Medigap plans: | Time frame you must enroll: |
|---|---|---|
| If you enrolled in an MA plan when first eligible and decide within the 1st year to switch to Original Medicare | Any Medigap policy in your area | Enroll 60 days before coverage ends to 63 days after coverage ends |
| Left your Medigap plan to join a MA plan and want to switch back within the 1st year | Return to the Medigap plan you had before you switched. If the company no longer sells the plan, you can buy A, B, C, F, K or L from any company in your area | Enroll 60 days before coverage ends to 63 days after coverage ends |
Learn More about Medigap Get a Medigap Quote
To learn about other switching situations check out the article Can I Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap? or Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
For further questions call 800-930-7956.