Can you switch from medicare advantage to medigap without underwriting

There are 4 main ways to leave Medicare Advantage and join Medigap.

Last Updated: Sep 26, 2021 9:32 pm

Can you switch from medicare advantage to medigap without underwriting

Usually there are 4 options for seniors currently on a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan who would like to change to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. Under the first two options, switchers are guaranteed to be approved. Options 3 and 4 require completing certain medical questions before approval.

What are the options for switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

  1. Switch during your first year of Medicare Advantage
  2. Switch during Special Enrollment Period
  3. Switch during the Annual Election Period (Oct 7 – Dec 15)
  4. Switch during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment period (Jan 1 – Feb 14)

Who would want to change from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Some people are really suited for Medicare Advantage, but Medigap tends to offer better coverage. You may want to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap if:

  • You are looking to access a bigger network of doctors. Medigap accesses the same network of doctors as Original Medicare, the largest network of doctors in America
  • You want increased benefits. Some Medigap plans offer benefits such as foreign travel emergency coverage or 365 extra days of hospital coverage that your Medicare Advantage plan may not cover.
  • You want to avoid deductibles, copays or co-insurances. Certain Medigap plans cover all deductibles and most cover all out of pocket costs.
  • You want protect your wealth. Owning a Medigap plan is considered by many the best way to protect yourself from the high cost of medical bills .

Next Steps for Switching to Medigap

Changing plans from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplemental plan is not for everyone. You must make sure that it fits your budget and make sure you are approved on a Medigap plan before your MA plan is cancelled. Please call our licensed independent agents at 800-930-7956 to discuss your situation.

Check out our detailed guide on Switching Medicare Insurance if you learn more about all the possibilities.

Get Medigap Prices

Check how much it would cost you.

Click Here

Stay in touch

Subscribe to be always on top of news on Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Part D and more!

Senior65 believes in your privacy. We will not sell your personal information. A licensed sales representative may contact you regarding Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

Learn if you can leave Medicare Supplement for an MA plan down the road.

Last Updated: Sep 07, 2022 10:34 am

Can you switch from medicare advantage to medigap without underwriting

Medigap and Medicare Advantage are the best options for seniors who want to cover some or all of the expenses not covered by Original Medicare. Many people struggle deciding which Medicare plan is right: Medigap or Medicare Advantage? Many of our clients ask, “if I first enroll in Medigap, can I then switch to Medicare Advantage down the line?” We’ve got your answer below.

Can You Switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage?

Yes. Not only you can switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage (MA), but depending on your situation, this may be a smart move for Medicare-eligible seniors.

Medigap is typically more expensive than Medicare Advantage, so if you  start with Medigap but cannot afford it’s monthly premiums, MA can save you money each month.

When to Switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage?

The best (and often only time) to switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage is during the Open Enrollment Annual Election Period which runs from Oct 15th to Dec 7th. 

To switch during this time, you would enroll in a MA plan which can only  start on Jan 1st of the following year. Once you enroll, it will automatically disenroll you of your Medicare Part D drug plan. You will still need to contact your Medigap plan to tell them you are cancelling, though.   

Need help switching? Call a Senior65 agent now to discuss your options: 800-930-7956

Learn More about Medicare Advantage Get MA Quote

Is Switching from Medigap to Medicare Advantage a Smart Move?

If you are about to sign up for the first time and are on the fence between which of the two coverage options you should purchase, we suggest starting with Medigap first.

If you start with Medigap and later switch to a Medicare Advantage, you are guaranteed to be approved on any MA plan at the best price. The reverse is not always true.

With Medigap, you are only guaranteed enrollment when first eligible or due to a Special Enrollment Event like moving outside your MA service area. 

So if you start with Medicare Advantage for a few years and then want to switch to Medigap, you usually will first have to answer health questions before being approved. Medigap insurance providers could turn you down or charge you more. Learn about the Medicare Advantage trial right exception.

Once again, we recommend that you first start with Medigap.  You are guaranteed to be approved AND you can see how it works for you, if you can afford it, and how your health status evolves. Changing to MA is simple and guaranteed.

Can I go back to my Medigap plan if I don’t like Medicare Advantage?

Yes, but you would have to switch back to the exact same Medigap plan within your first year of  your new Medicare Advantage plan.  Learn more about trial right switching with Medicare Advantage here.

Things You Must Know about Medigap and Medicare Advantage Switching

Before you enroll in either you must know:

  • You cannot have both Medicare Advantage and Medigap
  • Regardless of most preexisting conditions, you can enroll in Medicare Advantage each year during AEP Open Enrollment.
  • It can be difficult to enroll in Medigap after your 6 month initial enrollment period

The best way to learn if switching from Medigap to Medicare Advantage is right for you is to call a Senior65 agent at 800-930-7956.  We can help you identify the correct MA plan and help you enroll right over the phone.

You can also check out every switching option available and choose one that adapts to your situation.

Contact Us

Call a Senior65 agent and get your best plan at no additional cost.

Click Here

Stay in touch

Subscribe to be always on top of news on Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Part D and more!

Senior65 believes in your privacy. We will not sell your personal information. A licensed sales representative may contact you regarding Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medigap plan?

Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare drug plans. If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan when you were first eligible for Medicare, you can choose from any Medigap policy. Some states provide additional special rights to buy a Medigap policy.

Can I switch from an Advantage plan to a supplement?

Once you've left your Medicare Advantage plan and enrolled in Original Medicare, you are generally eligible to apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan.

Can you switch to Plan G without underwriting?

You can change Medigap carriers, while keeping the same level of coverage, during the months surrounding your Medigap anniversary. For example, you can switch from a Plan G to a Plan G without underwriting, but not from a Plan G to a Plan N.

Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare?

Yes, you can elect to switch to traditional Medicare from your Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Your coverage under traditional Medicare will begin January 1 of the following year.