Medicare question

Can You Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare and Buy a Supplement?

Switching from Medicare Advantage (MA) to Original Medicare can be confusing, especially if you're considering adding a Medigap policy afterward. This guide will break down what you need to know about making this switch, including when you can make the change and how to get a Medigap plan.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

When Can You Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare?

Medicare has specific periods when you can switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. During Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 through December 7, a change generally starts January 1. If you are already in Medicare Advantage, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 also lets you return to Original Medicare, with coverage generally starting the first day of the month after the plan gets your request.

Another key period is when you have a “qualifying event.” A qualifying event could be moving out of your current Medicare Advantage plan’s service area or losing your job if it was tied to your employer’s group health coverage. In these cases, you can switch back to Original Medicare at any time during the year.

If you’re new to Medicare and are currently in a Medicare Advantage plan, there's also an Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP) when you first become eligible for Medicare Parts A and B. During this 7-month window, which starts three months before your Part B start date, you can choose Original Medicare instead of staying with your current MA plan.

What Happens to Your Coverage When You Switch to Original Medicare?

When you switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare, there are several things that change:

1. Coverage: With Original Medicare, you get coverage through Parts A and B. Part A covers hospital stays, while Part B pays for outpatient care like doctor visits and some preventive services.

2. Deductibles and Co-pays: You may have to pay deductibles and co-pays under Original Medicare that weren’t present in your Medicare Advantage plan. For example, you’ll need to cover the Part A deductible if you’re hospitalized.

3. Prescription Drugs: If your Medicare Advantage plan included drug coverage, that coverage ends when you leave the plan. You can join a separate Part D plan when returning to Original Medicare. Medigap policies sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage.

Can You Add Medigap After Switching to Original Medicare?

After switching back to Original Medicare, many people choose to add a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan. A Medigap plan can help cover some of the costs that aren't paid by Original Medicare, like deductibles and co-pays.

Your federal six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. If you return from Medicare Advantage later, a trial right or another guaranteed-issue right may apply in specific situations; otherwise medical underwriting may apply, depending on state law.

If you're healthy and don't have any existing health issues, getting a Medigap policy should go smoothly. However, if you do have significant health problems, insurers might deny your application or charge higher premiums based on the medical underwriting process.

What Switching Rules Apply Outside the Initial Coverage Election Period?

Medigap does not have a general January 1 through March 31 annual enrollment period. Outside your federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed-issue right, an insurer may use medical underwriting, subject to state law.

If you have a qualifying event like moving out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area or losing employer coverage, you may be able to buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting at those times. However, this depends on the state where you live as some states provide guaranteed-issue rights in these situations.

How Do the Timing Rules for Switching and Medigap Applications Fit Together?

You can leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare only during an applicable enrollment period or qualifying event. Buying Medigap is a separate step. Whether an insurer can use medical underwriting depends on your Medigap Open Enrollment status, any federal trial or guaranteed-issue right, state protections, and the policy's application rules. Confirm both effective dates before ending existing coverage.

Where should you look next?

What else do people ask about you Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare?

• Can You Switch Medicare Plans? When You Can Change, What It Costs, and What to Watch For?
• What Should You Compare Before Switching Medicare Plans? A Practical Checklist?
• Can You Switch Part D Plans? How Changing Drug Coverage Works?
• What Can You Change During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January to March)?
• What Can You Change During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
• What Is MOOP, Coinsurance, and the Part A Deductible? Medicare Cost Terms Defined?

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