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

Question

George Ibanez · Accepted 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

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.

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

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

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.

Rukshini Sandrasegaran · 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.

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.

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

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.

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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