Understanding the Medicare Advantage Free Look Period: Your 12-Month Trial Right to Medigap
Understanding the Medicare Advantage Free Look Period: Your 12-Month Trial Right to Medigap
When turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare for the first time, many beneficiaries face a crucial decision: Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with a Medigap plan? If you're considering a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan but are unsure whether it's the right fit, there's good news—you may have a 12-month trial right period to switch to Medigap without underwriting.
What Is the 12-Month Trial Right?
Medicare gives new enrollees a special 12-month "trial right" to test a Medicare Advantage plan. If they decide it's not the best choice, they can return to Original Medicare and enroll in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy without medical underwriting.
This means insurance companies cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions if you switch within the trial period.
Who Qualifies for This Trial Right?
To be eligible for this 12-month free-look period, you must meet these conditions:
✅ You are enrolling in Medicare Advantage for the first time at age 65 when you first become eligible for Medicare Part B.
✅ You leave the Medicare Advantage plan within 12 months of enrolling.
✅ You switch back to Original Medicare (Part A & Part B).
What Happens When You Use This Trial Right?
If you decide to switch:
🔹 You can buy any Medigap plan available in your state without underwriting (guaranteed issue).
🔹 Your Medigap coverage begins the first of the month after you disenroll from your MA plan.
🔹 You must drop the Medicare Advantage plan before your Medigap policy can take effect.
What Happens After 12 Months?
If you stay in your Medicare Advantage plan beyond the 12-month mark, you may lose your guaranteed issue right to Medigap. This means:
🚨 Medigap insurers can require medical underwriting, which could lead to higher premiums or denial of coverage based on health conditions.
🚨 You may have fewer Medigap options available.
Key Takeaways
✔ If you're unsure about Medicare Advantage, you have a 12-month safety net to switch back to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan.
✔ This is a one-time trial right for those who enrolled in Medicare Advantage when first eligible for Medicare at 65.
✔ After 12 months, switching to Medigap could involve underwriting, making it harder to get coverage.
Need Help Navigating Your Medicare Choices?
Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap can be overwhelming. If you want expert guidance to make the best decision for your healthcare needs, contact Mid Michigan Medicare today!
