How to Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (and Back)

Thinking about switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage? Here's exactly how to do it, when you can, and what to watch out for.

Switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is one of the most common changes Medicare beneficiaries make. Maybe you want the extra benefits of an Advantage plan, or maybe you want the flexibility of Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement. Either way, the switch is straightforward — but timing matters, and there are important considerations to be aware of.

Switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage

When You Can Switch

During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) — changes take effect January 1
During your Initial Enrollment Period when first eligible for Medicare
During a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying event

How to Make the Switch

Research Medicare Advantage plans available in your ZIP code using Medicare.gov or SeniorPop's Benefit Checker
Compare plans based on premiums, out-of-pocket costs, network, drug coverage, and extra benefits
Verify your current doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network
Check that your prescriptions are on the plan's formulary
Enroll in your chosen MA plan online, by phone, or through a licensed agent
Your Original Medicare coverage will automatically change when your MA plan takes effect
If you have a Medigap policy, you can cancel it — but read the caution below first

Medigap Caution

If you drop your Medigap policy to join a Medicare Advantage plan, you may not be able to get it back at the same rate — or at all — if you decide to return to Original Medicare later. Only a few states guarantee the right to buy Medigap without medical underwriting outside of your initial open enrollment period. Consider this carefully before switching.

Switching from Medicare Advantage Back to Original Medicare

When You Can Switch Back

During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7)
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31)
During a Special Enrollment Period for qualifying events
Within the first 12 months of being in an MA plan (trial right — also protects Medigap rights)

Steps to Return to Original Medicare

Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov to disenroll from your MA plan
Your Original Medicare coverage (Parts A and B) will resume automatically
Enroll in a standalone Part D prescription drug plan if you need drug coverage
Shop for a Medigap policy if you want supplemental coverage (subject to underwriting in most states)