How to Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans are a substitute for Original Medicare. They offer wider coverage and are generally more affordable. If you want to switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can do that at specific times during the year.

Keep reading this article to find out all you need to know about switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.

When Can I Switch From Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage?

If you are already enrolled for Original Medicare Parts A and B, you can switch to Medicare Advantage at the following enrollment periods during the year:

■ Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your initial enrollment period begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after, making a total of 7months. During this period, you become eligible for Medicare and can enroll for Original Medicare Plans A and B. You can also enroll for the Medicare Advantage plan during this period but note that you must enroll for Original Medicare first.

■ Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

If you failed to enroll for Medicare Advantage during your initial enrollment period, your next bet is the annual enrollment period. AEP usually runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during this period. You can find out more about AEP here. 

■ Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you missed the two enrollment periods mentioned above, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. Special situations such as losing your employer’s coverage may qualify you for a special enrollment period. 

What Should I Consider Before Switching to a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Although Medicare Advantage offers a wider coverage and covers most of the services that Original Medicare does not cover, it is not without its limitations. Here are some factors you need to consider before switching to Medicare Advantage:

■ Medicare Advantage confines your coverage to a local network: Medicare Advantage usually limits your coverage to your local network or region. So, if you travel a lot, you may want to consider this before enrolling in the Medicare Advantage plan.

■ You have to let go of your Medigap plan: If you have a Medigap plan, you will have to drop it. This is because you can not have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans at the same time. 

■ You can only make the switch to Medicare Advantage at specific periods: You can not enroll or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan at any time you want. There are specific enrollment periods that allow you to sign up or switch to Medicare Advantage. 

How Do I Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage Plan?

You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during any of the enrollment periods. To switch to the Medicare Advantage plan, you can

■ Complete an online application form on the plan’s website

 ■Call the plan provider and apply, either over the phone or via a paper enrollment form

■ Finally, you can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with Medicare

Conclusion

Medicare Advantage plans are usually all-inclusive plans, covering your Medicare Plan A, B, and D. People opt for Medicare Advantage because it offers them wider coverage at a lower cost. 

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