Does getting a Medicare Advantage plan make you lose original Medicare?

Asked by: Vernie Mohr  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (30 votes)

If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you'll still have Medicare but you'll get most of your Part A and Part B coverage from your Medicare Advantage Plan, not Original Medicare. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Can you go back to Original Medicare from an Advantage plan?

At any point during your first year in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare without penalty. ... If it isn't your first time in a Medicare Advantage plan, you're not eligible to switch to Original Medicare using a trial right.

Can I have Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage at the same time?

People with Medicare can get their health coverage through either Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as a Medicare private health plan or Part C).

Do Advantage plans replace Medicare?

Medicare Advantage does not replace original Medicare. Instead, Medicare Advantage is an alternative to original Medicare. These two choices have differences which may make one a better choice for you.

Does Medicare Advantage cancel Medicare?

You can disenroll from or cancel your current Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B). If you choose to go through Medicare Advantage disenrollment and return to Original Medicare, you also have the option of enrolling in a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) during this period.

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Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan at any time?

You can drop out of the plan and return to original Medicare, with the right to buy Medigap supplemental insurance, at any time during those first 12 months — if you joined the plan straight away when you enrolled in Medicare at age 65, or if you dropped a Medigap policy to join the Advantage plan and this is the first ...

What is included in original Medicare?

Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that has two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). After you pay a deductible, Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay your share (coinsurance and deductibles).

Is Medicare Advantage more expensive than Medicare?

Clearly, the average total premium for Medicare Advantage (including prescription coverage and Part B) is less than the average total premium for Original Medicare plus Medigap plus Part D, although this has to be considered in conjunction with the fact that an enrollee with Original Medicare + Medigap will generally ...

Which two Medicare plans Cannot be enrolled together?

You generally cannot enroll in both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan at the same time.

Does Medicare Advantage replace Medicare Part B?

Medicare Advantage doesn't replace Original Medicare Part A and Part B coverage; it simply delivers these benefits through an alternative channel: private insurance companies. ... Therefore, to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.

What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?

The primary advantage is the monthly premium, which is generally lower than Medigap plans. The top disadvantages are that you must use provider networks and the copays can nickel and dime you to death.

Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan in January?

You can only change Medicare Advantage Plans during certain times of the year, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). ... Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment lasts from January 1 through March 31 each year.

Can you switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap without underwriting?

For example, when you get a Medicare Advantage plan as soon as you're eligible for Medicare, and you're still within the first 12 months of having it, you can switch to Medigap without underwriting. The opportunity to change is the "trial right."

Is a Medigap plan better than an Advantage plan?

Generally, if you are in good health with few medical expenses, Medicare Advantage is a money-saving choice. But if you have serious medical conditions with expensive treatment and care costs, Medigap is generally better.

Can you change your Medicare Supplement plan at any time?

You can change your Medicare Supplement Plan anytime, just be aware that you might have to answer medical questions if your outside your Open Enrollment Period.

Can you be denied a Medicare Supplement plan?

Your Medicare Supplement deadline is its Open Enrollment Period. ... Within that time, companies must sell you a Medigap policy at the best available rate, no matter what health issues you have. You cannot be denied coverage.

Can a person have two Medicare Advantage plans?

No one is allowed to be enrolled in more than one Medicare Advantage plan at a time. If you have submitted enrollment to two or more Medicare Advantage plans, it is important to determine which plan you wish to be enrolled in.

What is one of the main differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing services – Part A - and doctor visits, outpatient services and some preventative care – Part B. Medicare Advantage plans cover all the above (Part A and Part B), and most plans also cover prescription drugs (Part D).

What is the difference between Medicare and Senior Advantage?

With Original Medicare, you can go to any doctor or facility that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans have fixed networks of doctors and hospitals. Your plan will have rules about whether or not you can get care outside your network. But with any plan, you'll pay more for care you get outside your network.

What is the average monthly cost of a Medicare Advantage plan?

The average premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in 2021 was $21.22 per month. For 2022 it will be $19 per month. Although this is the average, some premiums cost $0, and others cost well over $100. For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.

How do you enroll in Original Medicare?

Online (at Social Security) – It's the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. (You'll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for benefits.) Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

Does Original Medicare have Part D?

Stand-alone Part D plans, which are run by private insurance companies but regulated by Medicare, are plans that provide only drug coverage. Therefore they are for people enrolled in the original Medicare program, which doesn't cover outpatient drugs. ... It's important to understand that Part D is insurance.

Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare Part D?

You'll be automatically enrolled in a Medicare drug plan unless you decline coverage or join a plan yourself.

Can I change my Medicare plan every year?

Typically, you can only enroll in a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage during specific times each year. Make sure to enroll in a timely manner to avoid gaps in coverage when using these enrollment periods.

Does Social Security automatically deduct Medicare?

Yes. In fact, if you are signed up for both Social Security and Medicare Part B — the portion of Medicare that provides standard health insurance — the Social Security Administration will automatically deduct the premium from your monthly benefit.