Thinking about switching back to Medigap? You’re not alone.
Every year, I talk to people who say the same thing: “I thought Medicare Advantage would save me money — but now I’m not so sure.”
Maybe your out-of-pocket costs are adding up, or you’re tired of network restrictions and referrals. Whatever your reason, you might be wondering: Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Medigap in 2026?
The short answer is yes — but the timing, rules, and state laws matter a lot. Here’s what to know before you make the move.
First, a Quick Refresher: Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap
If you’re thinking about switching, it helps to understand what you’re switching from and to.
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Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with a private plan that includes extra benefits — like dental, vision, hearing, or drug coverage. But you’re tied to a network of doctors and hospitals.
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Medigap (Medicare Supplement) works with Original Medicare. It helps pay the out-of-pocket costs — like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — that Medicare doesn’t cover. There are no networks, so you can see any provider that accepts Medicare.
If you’re craving more flexibility and predictable costs, Medigap might be the better fit. But switching isn’t as simple as clicking a button.
You Can Only Switch During Certain Times
You can’t move from a Medicare Advantage plan to Medigap anytime you want. The switch has to happen during a specific window.
Here are the two most common:
1. Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7
During this time, you can leave your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare.
But — and this is the big catch — you’ll also need to apply for a Medigap policy separately. You can’t just check a box and automatically get one.
2. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31
If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can drop it and go back to Original Medicare during this period.
Again, you’ll need to apply for Medigap — and depending on your situation, you might have to go through medical underwriting.
What Medical Underwriting Means (and Why It Matters)
Medical underwriting is how insurance companies decide whether to accept your Medigap application — and at what rate.
If you apply outside your guaranteed issue window, the company can:
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Ask health questions
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Deny your application
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Or charge you more because of your health history
In other words, you can’t always get Medigap just because you want it.
The good news?
Some states have Medigap protections that let you switch without underwriting at certain times. Others are stricter. That’s why it’s smart to check your state’s rules before dropping your Advantage plan.
When You Have “Guaranteed Issue Rights”
There are certain situations where you can switch to Medigap without medical underwriting — meaning you can’t be turned down for health reasons.
You qualify if:
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Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving your area or shutting down.
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You move out of your plan’s service area.
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You’re within your first 12 months of joining a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time (called the “trial right”).
If any of these apply, your move back to Medigap is guaranteed.
How to Make the Switch the Right Way
Here’s the basic step-by-step if you’re planning to move from Medicare Advantage to Medigap in 2026:
1. Apply for a Medigap policy first.
Don’t drop your Advantage plan until your Medigap policy is approved — especially if underwriting is required.
2. Enroll in a Part D drug plan.
Medigap plans don’t include prescription coverage, so you’ll need a separate standalone Part D plan if you want drug benefits.
3. Drop your Medicare Advantage plan.
Once your Medigap and drug plans are in place, you can leave your Advantage plan during a valid enrollment period.
4. Confirm your start dates.
Your Medigap and Part D coverage usually start the first of the month after you enroll.
This process can take a few weeks, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Switching
Here are the pitfalls I see most often:
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Dropping your Advantage plan before your Medigap approval — that can leave you without coverage.
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Forgetting to enroll in a Part D plan. Medigap doesn’t include prescription coverage.
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Assuming you’ll automatically qualify for Medigap. Outside of certain situations, you’ll still need to pass underwriting.
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Not checking doctor access or coverage timing. Make sure your new plan starts before your old one ends.
A little planning now can save you a lot of frustration — and uncovered bills — later.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for Medigap before dropping my Medicare Advantage plan?
Yes. Always apply for Medigap first and wait for approval before leaving your Advantage plan. If you drop your plan too early and your Medigap application is denied, you could be left without coverage.
If I switch to Medigap, will I lose my prescription drug coverage?
Yes. Medigap doesn’t include Part D drug coverage. You’ll need to enroll in a standalone Part D plan to continue getting prescription coverage.
Will switching to Medigap affect my doctors or hospitals?
Possibly in a good way. Medigap has no networks, so you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. If you were limited by networks under your Advantage plan, this can give you more freedom.
Can I go back to Medicare Advantage later if I change my mind?
Yes. You can switch back to a Medicare Advantage plan during the next Annual Enrollment Period. Just be sure to compare benefits and networks before switching again.
Plan Your Switch the Smart Way
Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap can be the right move if you want more freedom and predictable costs.
But don’t rush it. Make sure you understand your enrollment window, your underwriting requirements, and whether you have guaranteed issue rights.
If you take your time, confirm approvals, and coordinate your start dates, you can make the switch smoothly — and feel good about your coverage heading into 2026.
