I have a SCAN Medicare Advantage plan and turn 66 in November. Can I switch back to Original Medicare during this enrollment period?
Answered by 3 licensed agents
But before you drop SCAN, there are two important things to work through.
First, how will you cover the costs Original Medicare leaves behind? Many people look at a Medicare Supplement. Since you are turning 66, your original six-month Medigap enrollment period may already be ending or over. If SCAN was the Medicare Advantage plan you joined when you first became eligible for Medicare at 65, you may have a special 12-month trial right that gives you additional Medigap protections. The exact dates matter, so check that before making the change.
Second, if your SCAN plan includes prescription coverage, you will normally need a separate Part D plan when you return to Original Medicare.
There are important exceptions. If you also have TRICARE For Life, CHAMPVA, VA benefits, retiree coverage or another form of secondary coverage, that can change whether you need a Medicare Supplement, Part D plan, or both. Those benefits should be reviewed before changing anything.
So yes, you can switch. But do not cancel your current Medicare Advantage coverage until you know exactly what will replace it and the new coverage has been approved with the correct effective dates.
The goal is a clean handoff from one set of coverage to the next — not a gap while you are waiting for something to be approved.
Answered by Jeremy Harkins on September 17, 2026
Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CA & 5 other states
Yes, you can switch from your SCAN Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare during this enrollment period. The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, and during this window, anyone on Medicare can move from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare. Any change you make now will take effect January 1 of the upcoming year.
If you decide to switch back, just remember you’ll also need to enroll in a stand‑alone Part D prescription drug plan, since Original Medicare doesn’t include drug coverage.
And depending on your health history, getting a Medigap supplement may require medical underwriting, since the guaranteed‑issue window usually ends six months after you first start Part B.
If you want, I can walk you through what switching would look like for your specific situation and help you compare your options for 2027.
Answered by Marisol Adamo on September 16, 2026
Broker Licensed in WA, AZ, CA, NV & OR
M
Medicare
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Answered by Leslie Hurd on September 15, 2026
Broker Licensed in MI
Tags: Advice for Seniors Eligibility Enrollment Periods The Medicare System
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