How do I switch back to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan, and will I face any penalties or coverage gaps?

Question

Rukshini Sandrasegaran · Accepted Answer

You can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31). Special Enrollment Periods may also apply in certain situations.
There is no penalty for switching back. However, you may face a Part D late enrollment penalty if you go more than 63 days without creditable drug coverage.
Be aware of potential coverage gaps, particularly with Medigap (supplement) plans—depending on your situation, you may not have guaranteed acceptance and could be subject to medical underwriting.

Richard Wu · Answer

You can contact your Medicare Advantage Plan to disenroll and this will take you back to Original Medicare Only. However, I suggest waiting until the Annual Enrollment Period which runs from Oct. 15th to Dec. 7th. The reason for this is that most people need prescription drug coverage (Part D). In most cases if you disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan outside of the annual enrollment period, it's unlikely that you will be able to enroll in a prescription drug plan until the annual enrollment mentioned above and then the Part D plan will not begin until January 1st. Also, you well then incur a monthly penalty for going more than 63 days without prescription coverage. If you wait until the Annual Enrollment Period, applying for a Stand Alone Part D Prescription Drug Plan will automatically disenroll you from your Medicare Advantage Plan taking you back to Original Medicare. This would go into effect for January 1st start date.

Answered by Richard Wu on August 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in MO, AR, AZ & 18 other states

Answered by Richard Wu Medicare Insurance Agent

Ann Sanfelippo · Answer

You can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare during the Annual Election Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1–Mar. 31). When you disenroll from the Advantage plan, your Original Medicare coverage resumes automatically.

There is usually no penalty for switching back to Original Medicare itself. However, if you want a Medigap plan, you may have to go through medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right.

You should also enroll in a Part D plan if you need prescription coverage, since Original Medicare does not include it.

Tim J Harris · Answer

You can change from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15th thru Dec 7th), during the Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1st thru Mar 31st) or possibly a Special Enrollment Period.

You will need to enroll in a Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) within two months to avoid the Late Enrollment Penalty.

There are coverage gaps in Original Medicare, some can be quite expensive if you are hospitalized or suffer a major medical issue.  Having only Original Medicare is risky.

I always advise clients to have either a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan.

Lilyana Uzdenova-Gomez · Answer

You can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare by selecting a stand alone Prescription Drug plan if you have an HMO or a PPO plan, or by writing a disenrollment request letter to your current Medicare Advantage plan during Annual Election Period or during Open Enrollment Period. 
   When it comes to penalties, you will start accruing penalties for not having a Prescription Drug plan if you have a gap of more than 63 days; and part B penalties if you go for more than a year without Medicare part B, starting with you eligibility date. 
   Please, consider your risk for expense exposure before making those decisions. While original Medicare provides access to medicare providers without a need for referrals or network limitations, it leaves you responsible for Medicare deductibles, copays and coinsurance, unless you select additional coverage, such as a supplement plan.

George Ibanez · Answer

You can switch back to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment period (October 15th-December 7th) or during the Open Enrollment period (January 1st-March 31st), with no penalty for making the switch.

Answered by Isom Julian on May 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 9 other states

Answered by Isom Julian Medicare Insurance Agent

Lowana Richardson · Answer

It all depends on whether many things:
1.  Are you in the trial right period?
2. Did you move?
3. Did your plan stop servicing your area.
4. Is this during AEP
I suggest you get in touch with a local agent. You can go back to Original Medicare, but you should pick up a Supplemental and that is another area that you should consult an agent.  You might have to go through underwriting, and this may not be a time you can pick up a drug plan.  It is not just a yes and no answer.

Isom Julian · Answer

You can switch back to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment period (October 15th-December 7th) or during the Open Enrollment period (January 1st-March 31st), with no penalty for making the switch.

Answered by Isom Julian on May 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 9 other states

Donna Berube · Answer

Going back to Original Medicare opens you up to paying a lot more money out of pocket.  The downside with Original Medicare is that there is no max out of pocket, so if someone is having a tough year health-wise, they are paying 20% of everything and if they end up in the hospital it's a $1,736 deductible per benefit period.  At least having a Medicare Advantage plan, you have a max out-of-pocket amount each year, meaning you won't pay more than that amount.  I can review this with you in more detail if you would like to call me.  

Contact me.
Thank you.
Donna Berube

Shelly Hefley · Answer

I would find an agent to help you find a supplement plan and a prescription drug plan and cover the gaps. Once you find a Supplement that will approve you then you can cancel the Advantage plan and enroll in a prescription drug plan to avoid paying any penalties.

Answered by Shelly Hefley on June 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN

Answered by Shelly Hefley Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Fields · Answer

You can move back to Original Medicare, but you should then pick a Prescription Drug Plan and keep Part B, or you may face penalties. Your local agent can look at your current Prescription; let you know the costs and coverage and help you with the switch.

Answered by Mike Fields on July 14, 2026

Agent Licensed in SC, CO, GA, IN & NC

Answered by Mike Fields Medicare Insurance Agent

Angela Schubkegel · Answer

That is a great question! You will not face any penalties as long as you get another drug plan to go along with your supplement plan. During the annual enrollment, you can apply for a supplemental plan which will when approved and accepted will change you back to original medicare.

Answered by Angela Schubkegel on July 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in WI, IA, NE & SD

Answered by Angela Schubkegel Medicare Insurance Agent

Chauncey Bragg · Answer

You are able to switch back to original Medicare during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) wich is in January of every year. The only way thing is you will have to get a prescription drug plan when you switch back to avoid any gaps in coverage. This will keep you from having to face any penalties.

Answered by Chauncey Bragg on May 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Chauncey Bragg Medicare Insurance Agent

Geney Ruesga · Answer

you will need to contact Medicare, but if not AEP or OEP, you will need a special election to change back to original Medicare.

How do I switch back to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan, and will I face any penalties or coverage gaps?

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How do I switch back to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan, and will I face any penalties or coverage gaps?

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