Yes, you can switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, but when you switch decides how easy it is. During the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7, which is open now, you can leave your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare from January 1. From January 1 to March 31, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period gives you one more chance to make that move.
Getting the Medigap policy is a separate step. Outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed issue right, such as the trial right for some people who joined Medicare Advantage within the past 12 months, insurers can review your health before they accept you. That is why the order of the steps below matters.
This guide covers when you can switch, guaranteed issue and trial rights, medical underwriting and each step in order, and shows how Co Health Brokers, a trusted medicare insurance agency in Colorado, helps Colorado residents compare Medigap plans before they make the move.
Understanding the Difference Between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement
Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement starts with understanding how each option works. While both provide valuable healthcare coverage, they differ in costs, provider access, flexibility, and overall benefits.
What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans replace Original Medicare while providing all Part A and Part B benefits.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include:
- Hospital coverage
- Medical coverage
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Vision benefits
- Dental services
- Hearing benefits
- Wellness programs
Many plans feature lower monthly premiums but typically require members to use provider networks such as HMOs or PPOs. This means your choice of doctors and hospitals may be limited depending on your location.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, work alongside Original Medicare rather than replacing it.
These plans help pay expenses Original Medicare does not fully cover, including:
- Coinsurance
- Copayments
- Deductibles
- Certain emergency medical expenses while traveling
One of the biggest advantages of Medicare Supplement insurance is the freedom to visit any healthcare provider nationwide who accepts Medicare without needing referrals.
Why Do People Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement?
Many beneficiaries eventually decide that Medicare Supplement plans better align with their healthcare priorities.
Freedom to Choose Doctors
Unlike many Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement policies allow beneficiaries to visit virtually any Medicare provider throughout the United States.
This flexibility becomes especially valuable when:
- Seeing specialists
- Receiving treatment outside your home state
- Accessing nationally recognized hospitals
- Relocating within the country
Lower Unexpected Medical Costs
Although Medicare Advantage plans often feature lower monthly premiums, they may include higher:
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Annual out-of-pocket expenses
With Medicare Supplement insurance, healthcare costs become far more predictable because many medical expenses are covered after Medicare pays its share.
Frequent Travelers Prefer Medicare Supplement
Individuals who spend time in multiple states often appreciate nationwide provider access available through Medigap coverage.
Instead of searching for in-network physicians, beneficiaries can generally receive care anywhere Medicare is accepted.
Better Long-Term Healthcare Planning
As healthcare needs increase with age, many retirees value predictable expenses over lower monthly premiums.
A Medicare Supplement policy provides greater financial stability for those anticipating ongoing medical treatment.
Can You Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement?
Yes.
You can switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement, but timing plays a significant role.
Important considerations include:
- Enrollment periods
- Guaranteed Issue Rights
- Medical underwriting
- Medicare eligibility requirements
Outside certain protected situations, insurance companies may review your medical history before approving your Medigap application.
Interesting Read: How a Medicare Insurance Agency Can Help You Save on Coverage
Best Time to Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement
Choosing the right enrollment period can make switching easier and may even eliminate medical underwriting in certain situations. Knowing your options helps you avoid delays and maintain continuous coverage.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31)
During this period, beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage can:
- Return to Original Medicare.
- Join a Medicare Supplement plan (if eligible).
- Enroll in a Part D drug plan.
Medical underwriting may still apply.
Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7)
The Annual Enrollment Period allows beneficiaries to:
- Change Medicare Advantage plans.
- Return to Original Medicare.
- Prepare for Medigap enrollment.
Coverage changes become effective January 1.
Special Enrollment Periods
Some life events open a Special Enrollment Period that lets you leave a Medicare Advantage plan outside the usual windows, for example:
- Moving out of your plan’s service area, or to an address with different plan options.
- Losing employer or union coverage.
- Your plan leaving Medicare or your area.
- Moving into or out of a nursing home or similar facility.
A Special Enrollment Period lets you change your Medicare Advantage coverage, but it does not by itself guarantee you a Medigap policy. Check whether the same event also gives you a guaranteed issue right.
Guaranteed Issue Rights
Some situations allow enrollment into Medicare Supplement insurance without health underwriting.
Guaranteed Issue Rights often apply when:
- Your Medicare Advantage plan ends.
- You move outside your plan’s service area.
- Your insurer leaves Medicare.
- You exercise trial rights after first enrolling in Medicare Advantage.
Step-by-Step Process to Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement
Following the correct sequence when changing plans helps prevent coverage gaps and enrollment issues. These simple steps guide you through reviewing, applying, and completing your Medicare transition.
Step 1 – Review Your Current Medicare Advantage Plan
Start with the plan you have now. Read its Annual Notice of Change, which lists next year’s costs and benefits, and write down what matters to you:
- The monthly premium and the yearly out-of-pocket maximum
- Which of your doctors and hospitals are in the network
- How your prescriptions are covered
- Extra benefits you use, such as dental, vision or hearing, that a Medigap policy will not include
If your doctors are outside the network or you travel often, the case for Original Medicare with a Medigap plan gets stronger.
Step 2 – Compare Medicare Supplement Plans
Medigap plans are standardized: a Plan G from one insurer has the same benefits as a Plan G from another, so what differs is the price and the company. Most people who switch compare Plan G, Plan N and High-Deductible Plan G.
For each plan, compare the monthly premium, how the insurer prices it as you age, its history of rate increases and its service record. Ask whether you will have to answer health questions, because that decides which insurers will accept you.
Step 3 – Apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance
Apply for the Medigap policy before you leave your Medicare Advantage plan, and wait for written approval. If you have a guaranteed issue right, keep the letter or notice that proves it, because insurers usually ask for a copy with the application.
A Medigap policy only works with Original Medicare, so ask the insurer to start it on the day your Medicare Advantage coverage ends.
Step 4 – Enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug Plan
Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs, and many Medicare Advantage plans did. Join a standalone Medicare Part D plan that starts on the same day as your Original Medicare coverage.
Going 63 days or more in a row without Part D or other creditable drug coverage can add a late enrollment penalty to your Part D premium for as long as you have Part D.
Step 5 – Cancel Your Medicare Advantage Plan Properly
Joining a standalone Part D plan during an allowed enrollment period usually ends your Medicare Advantage plan automatically and returns you to Original Medicare. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact your plan to disenroll. Then:
- Confirm the date your Medicare Advantage coverage ends.
- Check that your Medigap and Part D start dates match it.
- Use your Medicare card, not your old plan card, once Original Medicare is active.
What Happens If You Don’t Qualify for Guaranteed Issue Rights?
If Guaranteed Issue Rights do not apply, insurers may require medical underwriting before approving your application. Understanding this process helps you prepare and improve your chances of acceptance.
Insurance companies may evaluate:
- Current health conditions
- Hospitalizations
- Prescription medications
- Chronic illnesses
- Recent surgeries
Possible outcomes include:
- Approval
- Approval with waiting periods
- Application denial
Improving approval chances often involves applying while relatively healthy and working with an experienced medicare insurance agent.
Choosing the Right Medicare Supplement Plan
Popular Medicare Supplement Plans
Plan G
Plan G covers the gaps in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible, which you pay yourself each year. After that, it pays the rest of your Medicare-approved costs, including Part B excess charges. It is the most complete plan open to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Plan N
Plan N usually has a lower premium than Plan G. In exchange, you pay the Part B deductible, a copayment for some office visits and for emergency room visits that do not lead to an inpatient admission, and any Part B excess charges.
High-Deductible Plan G
High-Deductible Plan G has the same benefits as Plan G, but you pay a yearly deductible set by Medicare before the policy starts to pay. The premium is usually lower, which can suit people who are healthy and could cover the deductible if needed.
Factors to Compare
Because the benefits are the same for each plan letter, compare the things that change from one insurer to the next:
- The monthly premium today
- How the policy is priced (community-rated, issue-age-rated or attained-age-rated), which affects future increases
- The insurer’s history of rate increases
- Household or other discounts it offers
- Whether you must pass medical underwriting
- Customer service and claims record
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Comparison
Comparing these Medicare options side by side makes it easier to understand their key differences. Reviewing benefits, costs, provider access, and travel coverage helps you make a more informed decision.
| Feature | Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplement |
| Provider Network | Usually Limited | Nationwide |
| Monthly Premium | Lower | Higher |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Higher | Lower |
| Referrals | Often Required | Not Required |
| Travel Coverage | Limited | Better |
| Predictable Costs | Less Predictable | More Predictable |
Interesting Read: Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement: Which Option Actually Saves You Money?
How a Medicare Insurance Agent Can Help
Working with an experienced Medicare insurance agent simplifies the enrollment process. Professional guidance can help you compare plans, understand Medicare rules, and choose coverage with confidence.
An experienced advisor can:
- Compare multiple insurance carriers.
- Explain Medicare regulations.
- Review enrollment deadlines.
- Identify Guaranteed Issue opportunities.
- Compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans.
- Recommend affordable coverage.
As an experienced medicare insurance agency, Co Health Brokers helps Colorado residents evaluate available plans while providing personalized guidance throughout the enrollment process.
Interesting Read: Why You Need a Medicare Supplement Agent: Top 5 Reasons
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Switching
Avoiding common enrollment mistakes can save time, money, and unnecessary stress. Careful planning helps ensure your new Medicare coverage begins without delays or unexpected gaps in protection.
- Canceling Medicare Advantage before Medigap approval
- Missing Medicare enrollment deadlines
- Ignoring medical underwriting requirements
- Forgetting to enroll in Part D prescription coverage
- Selecting plans based solely on premium rather than total value
Proper planning helps avoid costly coverage gaps.
Why Choose Co Health Brokers?
Choosing the right Medicare partner is just as important as selecting the right plan. As a trusted Colorado insurance agency, Co Health Brokers provides personalized guidance, carrier comparisons, and local expertise to help Colorado residents make informed decisions and choose Medicare coverage that best fits their healthcare needs and budget.
Co Health Brokers offers:
- Independent medicare insurance agency services
- Experienced medicare insurance agents
- Personalized Medicare consultations
- Multiple carrier comparisons
- Local expertise throughout Colorado
- Ongoing support after enrollment
Rather than recommending one carrier, Co Health Brokers compares available options to help beneficiaries make informed decisions based on healthcare needs and budget.
Final Thoughts
Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement can provide greater flexibility and more predictable healthcare costs. Reviewing your options carefully ensures you select coverage that supports your current and future medical needs.
Making the transition from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement can provide greater provider flexibility, more predictable healthcare costs, and enhanced long-term financial protection.
Because enrollment timing and eligibility rules vary, comparing available plans before making a decision is essential. Working with an experienced medicare insurance agency like Co Health Brokers helps simplify the process, avoid costly mistakes, and identify the Medicare Supplement plan that best fits your healthcare goals.
Ready to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement? Let the experienced team at Co Health Brokers help you compare plans, understand your enrollment options, and find coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget. Contact us today for personalized Medicare guidance and a no-obligation consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement at any time?
No. While you can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan at many times during the year, enrollment rules, underwriting requirements, and Medicare enrollment periods determine when changes can take effect.
Do I need medical underwriting to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement?
In many cases, yes. However, if you qualify for Guaranteed Issue Rights, insurers cannot deny coverage based on your health.
What is the best time to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period and situations involving Guaranteed Issue Rights are often the most favorable times to make the switch.
Can I get a Medicare Supplement plan if I have pre-existing health conditions?
Yes, but approval may depend on medical underwriting unless you qualify for Guaranteed Issue protections.
Which Medicare Supplement plan is best for Colorado residents?
Plan G remains one of the most popular options due to its comprehensive benefits, while Plan N and High-Deductible Plan G may suit beneficiaries seeking lower premiums.
Do I need a separate Part D plan after switching to Medicare Supplement?
Yes. Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so a standalone Medicare Part D plan is typically required.
Can a Medicare insurance agent help compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans?
Absolutely. An experienced medicare insurance agent can compare carriers, explain Medicare rules, review costs, and recommend coverage that aligns with your healthcare needs and budget.
Can you switch Medicare Supplement plans?
Yes. You can apply to change to a different Medigap plan or insurer at any time of year, and you get 30 days to decide whether to keep the new policy, paying both premiums for that month. Outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed issue right, the new insurer can usually review your health and may turn you down or charge more. Some states add extra switching rights, so ask your agent or the Colorado Division of Insurance what applies to you.
Can you switch from Medicare Supplement to Advantage?
Yes. You can join a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7, with coverage starting January 1, or when another enrollment period applies to you, and the plan cannot turn you down because of your health. A Medigap policy cannot pay for care while you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, so cancel it once the new plan starts. Getting a Medigap policy back later may mean answering health questions, unless a trial right applies.
