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What Is the Medicare Advantage Trial Period?

Headshot of Amy Albert
Written by:
Amy Albert
4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • The Medicare Advantage trial period allows first-time enrollees to switch back to Original Medicare within 12 months without penalties.
  • Beneficiaries who previously had a Medigap plan and dropped it for Medicare Advantage can repurchase the same Medigap policy without underwriting.
  • Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits beyond Original Medicare, but some may prefer Medigap for broader provider access and predictable costs.
  • Other Medicare enrollment periods, such as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP), provide additional opportunities to switch plans.

The Medicare Advantage trial period allows beneficiaries to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare without being penalized. You can leave your Medicare Advantage plan during this trial period and enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) instead.

If you had a Medigap policy before joining Medicare Advantage, you can repurchase that same policy from the same insurance company without underwriting. However, only beneficiaries dropping Medigap for the first time for a Medicare Advantage plan can re-enroll without underwriting.

The Medicare Advantage trial period lasts for 12 months from the date your Medicare Advantage plan coverage starts. Learn more about how this period works.

Why Consider Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, combines the same coverage as Original Medicare Parts A and B with additional benefits. These plans are widely popular. In 2024, more than half (54%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are sold by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Reasons someone may be interested in Medicare Advantage include:

  • Comprehensive coverage: MA plans offer the same benefits as Original Medicare’s Part A and Part B, and many plans also have additional or extended benefits for services not covered by Original Medicare.
  • Simplify benefits into one package: Some beneficiaries like the ease of having all of their benefits covered by one insurance company rather than enrolling in Original Medicare and a separate standalone Medicare Part D plan and/or Medigap plan for extended coverage.
  • Out-of-pocket cap: Unlike Original Medicare, MA plans have a cap on out-of-pocket costs. Once you reach this cap, MA plans cover 100% of your approved services for the remainder of the year.

The Medicare Advantage trial period can help those considering Medicare Advantage ensure their MA plan suits their medical needs.

Ready for a new Medicare Advantage plan?

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How the Medicare Advantage Trial Period Works

The Medicare Advantage trial is a 12-month period for people who enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan for the first time. It allows beneficiaries to switch back to Original Medicare and sometimes enroll in a Medigap plan, even if they have a pre-existing condition. Let’s see how it works.

Who Qualifies for the Medicare Advantage Trial Period?

  • Medicare Advantage enrollees who are newly eligible for Original Medicare Part A and B and are enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time
  • First-time Medicare Advantage enrollees who previously had a Medigap plan that they dropped for the Medicare Advantage plan

If you qualify for a Medicare Advantage trial period, you have 12 months to switch back to Original Medicare from your Medicare Advantage plan if you are dissatisfied with it. If you had a Medigap policy before joining Medicare Advantage, you may purchase the same Medigap plan without underwriting.

Stick With Medicare Advantage

If you decide to stick with your Medicare Advantage plan after the trial period, you don’t have to do anything! Beneficiaries can stay on their new plan without further action, though you may need to renew your coverage based on your plan’s terms and conditions.

After the trial period ends, Medigap plans may deny beneficiaries coverage based on pre-existing conditions. This is only an issue if you eventually drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare and Medigap.

Go Back to Medigap

You may switch back to Original Medicare and Medigap during the Medicare Advantage trial period following these steps:

  1. Contact the Medicare Advantage plan to disenroll.
  2. Enroll back into Original Medicare. Once you disenroll from Medicare Advantage, this should be automatic. However, just to be sure and avoid a lapse in coverage, contact Medicare to confirm your enrollment.
  3. Contact your Medigap plan to re-enroll. Ensure the insurer knows you are in your Medicare Advantage trial period. This will help avoid any unnecessary delays in coverage.

Why Would Someone Want To Switch Back To Medigap?

There are several reasons why beneficiaries may want to switch back to Medigap from Medicare Advantage:

  • Broader provider network: Medigap allows beneficiaries to see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans have a limited network of physicians and hospitals, which may not be convenient for every beneficiary.
  • Predictable out-of-pocket costs: Because the federal government manages Original Medicare, costs are standardized for every beneficiary. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans are managed by private insurance companies that set their own fees and payment terms.
  • Travel flexibility: Like Original Medicare, Medigap plans are accepted nationwide. This could be beneficial for members who frequently travel or who live in different states throughout the year. Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries, on the other hand, are limited to a predetermined network of physicians and hospitals.

Other Times to Change Your Medicare Plans

The Medicare Advantage trial period is not the only time you can change from Medigap to Medicare Advantage and vice versa. There are several other enrollment periods:

  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15- December 7 yearly. During this period, you can drop Original Medicare and your Medigap plan and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. In addition, you can return to Original Medicare from Medicare Advantage and apply for a Medigap policy. You may also purchase a standalone Part D plan.
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP): The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 yearly. This period is for beneficiaries already enrolled in Medicare Advantage who want to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or change back to Original Medicare and Medigap.
  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP): The Special Enrollment Period allows eligible Medicare beneficiaries to change their plan outside of a standard enrollment period. Scenarios that may incur a SEP include moving to a different state or when your employer-sponsored health coverage ends, such as upon retirement.

Putting It All Together

The Medicare Advantage trial period allows beneficiaries to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare and Medigap without being penalized. This 12-month period provides flexibility, allowing you to find the Medicare Advantage plan best suited for your healthcare needs. Contact a licensed insurance broker to learn more about the Medicare Advantage trial period.

Sources

Medicare Advantage in 2024: Enrollment Update and Key Trends. KFF.org

When does Medicare coverage start? Medicare.gov