Choosing and changing coverage
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan?
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Short answer
Yes, you can leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31).
But a Medigap insurer can usually turn you down or charge more because of your health, unless you have a guaranteed issue right, such as the trial right in your first 12 months in Medicare Advantage or the right that comes with your plan leaving Medicare or your area.
Some states give extra rights to buy Medigap, so check your state's rules, and get the Medigap policy approved before you leave your Medicare Advantage plan.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| When you can leave Medicare Advantage | October 15 to December 7, or January 1 to March 31 | Medicare.gov |
| Medical underwriting | Allowed in most states outside a guaranteed issue right | Medicare.gov |
| Trial right | Leave within your first 12 months in Medicare Advantage | Medicare.gov |
| Plan leaving your area | Apply no more than 63 days after your plan coverage ends | Medicare.gov |
| Drug coverage | Join a stand-alone Part D plan in the same window | Medicare.gov |
When can I leave Medicare Advantage?
During Annual Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, for Original Medicare from January 1; or once between January 1 and March 31, effective the next month. A Special Enrollment Period, for example after a move or when your plan leaves your area, also lets you leave.
Why can a Medigap insurer turn me down?
Outside your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period at 65 and specific guaranteed issue situations, federal law lets insurers in most states use medical underwriting: they can ask about your health, charge more, or refuse to sell you a policy. People with conditions like heart disease, diabetes or cancer can find it hard to buy Medigap later, which is the main risk of leaving Medicare Advantage.
When do I have a guaranteed right to buy Medigap?
- The trial right: you joined a Medicare Advantage plan when you first got Medicare at 65 and leave within 12 months; or you dropped a Medigap policy to join Medicare Advantage for the first time and leave within 12 months (you can get your old policy back if the insurer still sells it).
- Your Medicare Advantage plan leaves Medicare, stops serving your area, or you move out of its area. Apply no more than 63 days after your plan coverage ends.
- Your plan broke its contract rules or misled you.
A few states, such as New York and Connecticut, let people buy a Medigap policy at any time, and several give yearly or other extra rights. Ask your state insurance department.
What steps should I take to switch?
- Apply for the Medigap policy first and wait for approval.
- Pick a stand-alone Part D drug plan; Medigap doesn't cover prescriptions.
- Enroll in the Part D plan during the window: joining it moves you from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare automatically. You can also call your plan or 1-800-MEDICARE to leave.
- Keep your Medigap and Part D start dates the same as your Original Medicare start date.
On this site: Medigap insurers and plans by state
Good to know
More questions people ask
Can I be denied a Medigap policy?
What is the Medigap trial right?
Do I need a Part D plan when I switch to Original Medicare?
Can I go back to Medicare Advantage later?
Related questions
In depth
- Medicare.gov: Changing Medigap policies
- Medicare.gov: Ready to buy a Medigap policy?
- Medicare.gov: Joining a health or drug plan
- Medicare.gov: Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.