Thinking about switching back to Medigap? You’re not alone.
Every fall, people realize their Medicare Advantage plan isn’t quite what they expected. Maybe your doctor’s no longer in-network, or you’re paying more out of pocket than you thought. Or maybe you just want the freedom to see any doctor who takes Medicare — no referrals, no networks.
If that sounds like you, switching back to Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement insurance) might be the right move. But here’s the catch — the clock is ticking.
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, and if you want to leave your Medicare Advantage plan and move back to Original Medicare with a Medigap policy, there are a few key things to know before you make the switch.
Why People Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap
There’s no one-size-fits-all reason, but I hear the same themes over and over:
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“My doctor isn’t in my plan anymore.”
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“I’m paying more in copays and deductibles than I expected.”
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“I’m tired of needing referrals or preapprovals.”
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“I travel part of the year and want a plan that works everywhere.”
Medigap can solve many of those frustrations because it pairs with Original Medicare — giving you access to any provider who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country. You won’t deal with networks, and your out-of-pocket costs are more predictable.
The trade-off? Medigap usually costs more upfront in monthly premiums — but for many people, the flexibility and predictability are worth it.
Timing Matters: You Can’t Switch Anytime
Here’s something a lot of people misunderstand: you can’t just switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap whenever you want.
You can drop your Medicare Advantage plan during:
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The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — October 15 to December 7, or
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The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period — January 1 to March 31 (for current Advantage members only).
But — and this is big — leaving your Medicare Advantage plan is only half the process. You still have to apply for a Medigap policy, and depending on your situation, you might have to pass medical underwriting.
What Medical Underwriting Means for You
Medical underwriting is how insurance companies decide whether to accept your Medigap application and what to charge.
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, or
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Charge you more based on your health history
That’s why it’s smart to apply for Medigap before dropping your Advantage plan. Make sure you’re approved before you cancel anything — otherwise, you could be stuck with only Original Medicare (and no supplemental coverage).
When You’re Guaranteed to Be Accepted (No Underwriting)
There are a few times when you have “guaranteed issue rights” — meaning you can buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting.
You qualify if:
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Your Medicare Advantage plan is ending or leaving your area
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You move out of your plan’s service area
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You’re in your first 12 months of joining a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time (“trial right”)
If any of those apply, you can switch to Medigap without being denied or charged more because of your health.
What to Do Before Dec. 7
If you’re considering a switch this year, here’s what to do before the AEP deadline:
- Compare your total costs. Add up your Advantage plan premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket costs, then compare them to a Medigap premium.
- Apply for Medigap first. Don’t drop your current plan until you’re approved.
- Pick a Part D drug plan. Medigap doesn’t include prescription coverage, so you’ll need a standalone Part D plan.
- Confirm your new coverage start dates. If approved, your Medigap and Part D coverage usually start the first of the month after you enroll.
Planning ahead avoids the nightmare of losing coverage or paying unexpected costs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re thinking about switching, don’t fall into these common traps:
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Dropping your Advantage plan too early. Wait until your Medigap policy is confirmed.
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Forgetting about drug coverage. Medigap doesn’t include prescriptions — you’ll need Part D.
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Assuming you’re automatically eligible. Most people still need to pass underwriting unless they qualify for a guaranteed issue right.
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Waiting until the last week of AEP. Give yourself time — underwriting can take a few weeks.
FAQs
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap anytime?
No. You can only switch during certain periods — like the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1–Mar. 31).
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. Otherwise, you could be left with no supplemental coverage.
Will I have to go through medical underwriting?
Usually yes, unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right. That means a Medigap insurer can review your health history and decide whether to accept your application.
What are guaranteed issue rights?
They’re special protections that let you buy a Medigap plan without underwriting — for example, if your Advantage plan is ending or you move out of your plan’s service area.
Can I switch back to Medicare Advantage later?
Yes, but only during an enrollment period. You can rejoin a Medicare Advantage plan in a future AEP if you change your mind.
What This All Means for You
Switching back to Medigap isn’t complicated, but it does take planning and good timing.
If you’re frustrated with networks, unpredictable costs, or plan restrictions, Medigap might be the right move — but make sure you understand your eligibility, timeline, and coverage details before December 7.
Take your time, do the math, and confirm your approvals before you make the leap. The goal isn’t just to switch plans — it’s to end up with coverage that fits your lifestyle and peace of mind.
