Thinking about leaving your Medicare Advantage plan? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Medicare beneficiaries decide to switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare with a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan. Whether you’re frustrated with narrow provider networks, unexpected prior authorization denials, or rising out-of-pocket costs, switching is possible, but timing and planning matter.
This guide walks you through exactly how to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap in 2026, including when you can switch, what it costs, and the critical steps to protect your coverage.
Why People Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap
Medicare Advantage plans can seem attractive at first because of low premiums and extra benefits like dental and vision. But over time, many beneficiaries discover significant drawbacks that prompt them to consider switching. Here are the most common reasons:
- Network restrictions: Medicare Advantage plans typically require you to use in-network doctors and hospitals. If your preferred physician leaves the network or you move, your options shrink.
- Prior authorization requirements: Many Advantage plans require pre-approval before you can receive certain treatments, tests, or specialist visits, which can delay care.
- Rising out-of-pocket costs: While premiums may be low, copays, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket limits on Medicare Advantage plans can add up quickly, especially if you need frequent care.
- Travel limitations: Most Medicare Advantage plans (except PPOs) don’t cover care outside their service area, making them problematic for snowbirds and frequent travelers.
- Plan changes year over year: Insurance companies can change benefits, formularies, and provider networks annually, leaving you with different coverage than what you originally signed up for.
If any of these issues sound familiar, a Medigap plan may be a better fit. With Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy, you can see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare, with no referrals or prior authorizations needed.
When Can You Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Timing is one of the most important factors when switching. You can’t simply drop your Medicare Advantage plan and pick up a Medigap policy whenever you want. There are specific enrollment windows you need to know about.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 to March 31
During the MA Open Enrollment Period, you can drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. Your Original Medicare coverage begins the first day of the month after the plan receives your disenrollment request. However, this period does not guarantee you can buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting (more on that below).
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7
The AEP allows you to make changes to your Medicare coverage for the following year. You can switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, with coverage starting January 1. Again, Medigap enrollment during this window may still require underwriting depending on your state and circumstances.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Certain life events may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, such as moving out of your plan’s service area, losing employer coverage, or your plan leaving the Medicare program. If you qualify for an SEP, you may be able to switch outside the standard enrollment windows. Learn more in our guide to changing Medicare plans during Special Enrollment Periods.
Medigap Open Enrollment Period
This is the golden window. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins when you’re 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B. It lasts 6 months. During this time, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of pre-existing health conditions. If you enrolled in Medicare Advantage at 65 and never had a Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you may have already missed this window, which makes switching more complicated.
The Biggest Challenge: Medical Underwriting
Here’s the critical issue most people don’t realize until it’s too late: dropping your Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t automatically give you the right to buy any Medigap plan at standard rates.
If your Medigap Open Enrollment Period has passed (which it has for most people who’ve been on Medicare Advantage for more than 6 months), insurance companies in most states can:
- Deny your Medigap application based on health conditions
- Charge you higher premiums based on your medical history
- Exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions for up to 6 months
This is why working with an experienced Medicare broker is so important. A knowledgeable broker can help you understand your specific rights and find the best path forward.
States with Guaranteed-Issue Protections
Some states have enacted laws that give residents stronger protections when switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap. These “continuous open enrollment” or “guaranteed-issue” states include:
- New York: Guaranteed-issue rights for Medigap plans year-round, regardless of health status
- Connecticut: Annual open enrollment window for Medigap during the first 30 days of each year
- Massachusetts: Guaranteed-issue during your birthday month each year
- California: Annual Medigap open enrollment during the birthday month (anniversary date rights)
- Oregon: Annual Medigap open enrollment during birthday month
- Washington: Annual guaranteed-issue period during birthday month
- Missouri: Guaranteed-issue rights during birthday month for most plan types
If you live in one of these states, switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap can be significantly easier. Check with your state’s insurance department or contact a licensed broker to confirm what protections apply to you.
Federal “Trial Right” Guaranteed-Issue Protection
Federal law does provide one important guaranteed-issue right for people leaving Medicare Advantage. If you joined a Medicare Advantage plan when you first became eligible for Medicare at 65, and you’re leaving the Advantage plan within the first 12 months of enrollment, you have a federal “trial right” to purchase a Medigap policy without medical underwriting.
This trial right means the insurance company must sell you a Medigap Plan A, B, C, F (if eligible), K, or L at standard rates, regardless of your health. Some states extend this to additional plan letters.
Step-by-Step: How to Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap
Follow these steps to make a smooth transition:
Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Situation
Before making any changes, assess the following:
- How long have you been enrolled in Medicare Advantage?
- Do you have any health conditions that could affect underwriting?
- Does your state offer guaranteed-issue protections?
- What are your current and expected healthcare costs?
Step 2: Research Medigap Plans in Your State
Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A through N), and each letter offers the same benefits regardless of the insurance company selling it. The main difference between companies is price. Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan in 2026, offering comprehensive coverage with only the Part B deductible as your out-of-pocket cost.
Compare plans using our guides:
- Best Medicare Supplement Plans for 2026
- Medicare Plan G vs. Plan N: Which Is Better?
- How Much Does Medicare Cost at Age 65?
Step 3: Apply for Your Medigap Policy Before Dropping Medicare Advantage
This is a crucial step many people get wrong. Apply for your Medigap policy before you disenroll from Medicare Advantage. Here’s why: if you drop your Advantage plan first and then get denied for a Medigap policy, you could be left with only Original Medicare and no supplemental coverage to cover the gaps.
When you apply, the Medigap insurer will set a future effective date that aligns with when your Medicare Advantage plan ends.
Step 4: Disenroll from Your Medicare Advantage Plan
Once you’ve been approved for a Medigap policy (or if you have guaranteed-issue rights), disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan. You can do this by:
- Calling your Medicare Advantage plan directly
- Calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- Logging into your Medicare.gov account and making the change online
- Working with a licensed Medicare broker who can handle the paperwork for you
Step 5: Enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug Plan
This is another step people often forget. Medicare Advantage plans typically include prescription drug coverage (Part D). When you switch to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, your drug coverage ends too. You’ll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to maintain medication coverage.
Don’t delay this step. Going without creditable drug coverage for 63 or more days can result in a Part D late enrollment penalty that adds to your premium permanently.
Step 6: Confirm Your Coverage Transition
After making the switch, verify the following:
- Your Medicare Advantage plan has ended on the expected date
- Your Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is active
- Your Medigap policy effective date aligns with your Advantage plan end date
- Your Part D drug plan is in place
- Your doctors accept Original Medicare (most do: over 97% of physicians nationwide accept Medicare assignment)
How Much Does Switching Cost?
The cost of switching depends on several factors:
- Medigap premiums: Monthly premiums for popular plans like Plan G typically range from $100 to $300+ per month in 2026, depending on your age, location, and the insurance company. Compare this to your current Advantage plan costs, including premiums, copays, and potential out-of-pocket maximums.
- Part B premium: You’ll continue paying your Medicare Part B premium ($185.00/month standard in 2026) regardless of which path you choose.
- Part D premium: Standalone Part D plans typically cost $20 to $60 per month.
- No more copays or coinsurance: With a comprehensive Medigap plan like Plan G, you won’t pay copays or coinsurance for Medicare-covered services (except the annual Part B deductible of $257 in 2026).
For many people, the total monthly cost of Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D can be comparable to or even less than the combination of Advantage plan premiums plus typical out-of-pocket costs, especially if you use healthcare services regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap at any time?
No. You can only disenroll from Medicare Advantage during specific enrollment periods: the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31), the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), or during a qualifying Special Enrollment Period. Even after disenrolling, getting a Medigap policy may require medical underwriting unless you have guaranteed-issue rights.
Will I lose coverage during the switch?
If you plan carefully, you should not have a gap in coverage. Your Medigap policy effective date should be coordinated to start the day after your Medicare Advantage plan ends. Work with a broker to ensure a seamless transition.
What if I’m denied a Medigap plan due to health conditions?
If you don’t have guaranteed-issue rights and are denied, you have a few options: stay on your Medicare Advantage plan, try other Medigap insurers (underwriting standards vary by company), look into your state’s protections, or consider a Medicare SELECT plan, which may have less strict underwriting. A licensed broker can help identify which companies are most likely to approve your application.
Can I switch back to Medicare Advantage later if I change my mind?
Yes. You can switch back to a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7). However, keep in mind that if you drop your Medigap policy, you may not be able to get it back later without underwriting.
Do I need a broker to help me switch?
While you can make the switch on your own, working with an independent Medicare broker is strongly recommended. Brokers can help you navigate underwriting, compare plan prices across multiple companies, coordinate the timing of your coverage transition, and ensure you don’t end up with a gap in coverage. Best of all, using a broker typically costs you nothing because brokers are compensated by the insurance companies.
The Bottom Line
Switching from Medicare Advantage to a Medigap plan is absolutely possible, but it requires careful planning, especially around enrollment timing and medical underwriting. The key takeaway: don’t wait until you’re frustrated with your Advantage plan to start researching. The earlier you explore your options, the more choices you’ll have.
With over 20 years of Medicare experience and licenses in 33 states, Karl Bruns-Kyler and The Big 65 team have helped thousands of Medicare beneficiaries make this exact transition. Whether you’re ready to switch now or just exploring your options, we can walk you through the process step by step.