If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan when first eligible for Medicare, what is the trial period to switch back to Original Medicare and Medigap?

When a beneficiary enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan when first eligible for Medicare, they are provided with a 12-month trial period in which they can switch back to Original Medicare and also apply for a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy without facing medical underwriting. This is significant because it allows individuals to assess whether the Medicare Advantage plan meets their healthcare needs without losing the option for a Medicare Supplement program, which offers additional coverage that can help pay for costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

During this trial period, if beneficiaries decide they want to return to Original Medicare, they have the right to do so without penalty. Additionally, they can usually obtain a Medigap policy that provides coverage based on their health needs, which is particularly beneficial if their health situation changes during or after that time frame.

While other options may imply either a shorter or longer trial period or suggest that there is no trial period, the 12-month duration aligns with the regulations set by Medicare, ensuring that beneficiaries have sufficient time to evaluate their choices effectively.