{"id":9235,"date":"2023-02-23T15:46:41","date_gmt":"2023-02-23T15:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/?p=9235"},"modified":"2023-03-15T08:22:07","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T08:22:07","slug":"can-you-switch-from-medicare-advantage-to-original-medicare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/can-you-switch-from-medicare-advantage-to-original-medicare","title":{"rendered":"Can you switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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If you’re an older adult, it can be confusing to understand and choose from the various healthcare options available. For example, you might wonder if you can switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, how to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare, and what that process entails. Rest assured that you can switch from one coverage plan to another, though certain factors at play will determine your ability to do so.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In this blog, we will answer all your questions so that by the end, you’ll have clarity around whether or not switching plans make sense for your healthcare needs! So read on to learn more about the topic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?<\/h2>\n

Original Medicare is the combination of Medicare Plan A and Plan B. Medicare Plan A provides coverage for hospital and nursing home costs. In contrast, Plan B acts as medical insurance and covers the cost of outpatient services. The Original Medicare does not cover certain expenses, including prescription drugs, hearing aids, dental care, vision, etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n

On the other hand,\u00a0Medicare Advantage<\/a>, also known as Medicare Plan C, is a\u00a0bundled plan<\/span>\u00a0that combines the Original Medicare Plan A, B, and some additional benefits. That includes prescription drugs, hearing aids, dental, and vision care. Medicare-approved private companies provide this plan.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The main difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage is that, under Original Medicare, you can go to any hospital or physician of your choice and receive care but under the Advantage plan, you can only choose from a selected option of doctors or providers to receive coverage.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The table below highlights the difference between Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Factors<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Original Medicare<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Medicare Advantage<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Coverage<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Inpatient hospital care and outpatient medical services except prescription drugs, dental care, hearing aids, etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Inpatient hospital care and outpatient medical services\u00a0and<\/span>\u00a0prescription drugs, dental care, hearing aids, etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Choice of provider<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Any choice of doctors, hospitals, providers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Selected number of doctors, hospitals, providers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Network and service area<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Whole United States.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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The plan\u2019s specific network and service area.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Referrals<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Not required to see a specialist.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Required to see a specialist.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Foreign travel<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Does not cover.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Does not cover.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Run by<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Federal government.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Private providers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Can you switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, you can switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare. However, there are important steps and considerations you should take before making the transition. First of all, it is necessary to keep in mind that there are specific timing windows during which you can make this switch.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It is also important to remember that switching from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare does not automatically enroll you into a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or a Medigap policy. So, to continue enjoying Medicare Part D coverage, you must join a stand-alone prescription drug plan.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind independent living facilities near you<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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How to switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, now that you know it is possible switching from Medicare Advantage to Medicare, how to make that transition? What are the time frames and criteria? Well, all of this may seem a bit overwhelming, but no need to worry! We are just about to explain the process to you as simply as we can.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There are basically three different enrolment periods to switch between Medicare plans:\u00a0<\/p>\n

The open enrolment period\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Medicare\u2019s open enrolment period is the best time to switch plans or make changes to an existing one as it saves you from paying extra money. Every year, the federal government allows Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to switch plans. The time period for the open enrolment is\u00a0January 1 \u2013 March 31 each year<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

During the open enrolment period, you can:\u00a0<\/p>\n