What happens when I disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan

Understanding Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Understanding a Medicare Advantage Plan

A Medicare Advantage Plan, also known as Medicare Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and provide all Part A and Part B benefits. Some plans also offer prescription drug coverage, similar to Medicare Part D.

Disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan

Disenrolling from a Medicare Advantage Plan means you will leave your current plan and return to Original Medicare. This process involves notifying your plan provider and following specific steps during designated enrollment periods.

Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period

The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31st. During this time, you can disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and switch back to Original Medicare. You can also join a Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.

Other Enrollment Periods

Aside from the disenrollment period, there are other times you can make changes to your Medicare:

Initial Enrollment Period: When you first become eligible for Medicare.
Open Enrollment Period: From October 15 to December 7, when you can join, switch, or disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Special Enrollment Period: When certain life events occur, like moving or losing other insurance coverage, allowing you to make changes outside the standard periods.

Steps to Disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan

To disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan, follow these steps:

Contact your current Medicare Advantage Plan provider.
Request to disenroll and provide necessary information.
Choose whether to return to Original Medicare or join another Medicare Advantage Plan.
If returning to Original Medicare, consider joining a Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.

Returning to Original Medicare

When you disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare, you will have Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. You may also want to consider a Medigap Plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs.

Switching Medicare Advantage Plans

If you decide to switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan instead of returning to Original Medicare, you can do so during the Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period. Ensure the new plan meets your healthcare needs and includes your preferred providers and prescription drug coverage.

Why Consider Disenrollment?

There are several reasons why you might consider disenrolling from your Medicare Advantage Plan:

Your current plan no longer meets your healthcare needs.
You want to switch to a plan with better benefits or lower costs.
Your preferred healthcare providers are not in your current plan’s network.
Your prescription drug needs have changed.

Impact on Your Medicare Coverage

Disenrolling from a Medicare Advantage Plan will impact your Medicare coverage. When you return to Original Medicare, you may need to enroll in a separate prescription drug plan and consider supplemental coverage to help with costs not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B.