
Open enrollment is a great time to reassess your health insurance needs and make changes to your plan. If you're currently with Humana, you can switch back to Medicare online during this period.
To start the process, log in to your Medicare account or create a new one on the Medicare website. This will give you access to your plan information and allow you to make changes.
During open enrollment, which typically runs from October to December, you can switch from Humana back to Medicare online. This is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps.
To switch back to Medicare, you'll need to have your Medicare ID number and plan information handy.
When to Switch Plans
You can make changes to your Medicare plan during specific enrollment periods. There are two enrollment periods each year where you can make changes to your existing Medicare plan.
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period, also known as the Annual Election Period, occurs from October 15 through December 7. During this time, you can change from Medicare Parts A & B to a Part C plan, switch Medicare Advantage plans, or join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan.
Additionally, if you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can change plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Periods. The first is from January 1 to March 31, and the second is a three-month window for new Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in an MA plan during the first three months they have Medicare.
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When to Switch
You can switch your Medicare Advantage plan during two annual enrollment periods. These periods allow you to make changes to your existing plan without penalty.
You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Periods (MA OEP). The first MA OEP is from January 1 to March 31, when anyone with a Medicare Advantage plan can change plans during this time.
You can also switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan during an individualized Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. This period is limited to new Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in an MA plan during the first three months they have Medicare. It offers a three-month window to switch plans.
If you want to switch your Medicare Advantage plan outside of the usual Medicare enrollment periods, you must qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
You can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare and a standalone Part D plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Periods (MA OEP).
Here are the key times to switch your Medicare plan:
- Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP): October 15 through December 7
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period 1 (MA OEP 1): January 1 – March 31
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period 2 (MA OEP 2): Individualized, three-month window for new Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in an MA plan during the first three months they have Medicare
When to Use a Trial Right
If you're considering switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, you're entitled to a trial right. You can leave a Medicare Advantage plan and buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting if you've had it for less than one year.
There are two situations where you can use a Medicare Advantage trial right: if you left Medigap for Medicare Advantage, and if your Medicare Advantage plan included Part D coverage. In both cases, you can switch back to Original Medicare without penalty.
You can also use a trial right if you're dissatisfied with your Medicare Advantage plan before the year is over. This allows you to switch back to Original Medicare and buy a Medigap plan or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) without penalty.
Here are some key details to keep in mind:
- Medicare Advantage trial right allows you to switch back to Original Medicare without penalty if you've had it for less than one year.
- You can also switch back to your Medigap policy if you left it for Medicare Advantage.
- Medicare Advantage trial right does not apply if it's not your first time in a Medicare Advantage plan.
You can apply for a Medigap policy as early as 60 days before the date your coverage will end or no later than 63 days after your coverage ends. Your rights could extend an extra 12 months under certain conditions.
Open Enrollment Periods
You can switch from Humana back to Medicare online during specific open enrollment periods. The Medicare Open Enrollment Period, also known as Annual Election Period (AEP), takes place each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
During this time, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, change from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare, or switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. Note that all changes made during this period start on Jan. 1 of the following year.
You can also switch plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which takes place from Jan. 1 through March 31. However, you can only make one change within this period, and changes will be effective on the first day of the following month after the request is received.
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Here's a summary of the open enrollment periods:
Annual Election and Enrollment Periods
The Annual Election and Enrollment Periods are a crucial part of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. This period, also known as the Annual Election Period (AEP), takes place from October 15 through December 7.
During this time, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, change from an MA plan back to Original Medicare, or switch from Original Medicare to an MA plan.
You can make these changes effective on January 1 of the following year. This is a great opportunity to review your coverage and make any necessary adjustments.
Here are some specific actions you can take during the Annual Election and Enrollment Period:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Change from an MA plan back to Original Medicare
- Switch from Original Medicare to an MA plan
- Enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Additionally, you can change from Medicare Parts A & B (Original Medicare) to a Part C (private Medicare Advantage) plan, or switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare and a standalone Part D plan.
If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may also have the opportunity to re-evaluate coverage during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Periods (MA OEP).
What Is a Trial Period?
A trial period is a great opportunity to test the waters, and in the case of Medicare Advantage, it's a chance to see if a plan is right for you. You get one year to try it out.
During this time, you can switch back to Original Medicare without penalty, which is a big deal. This is especially helpful if you left a Medigap policy for Medicare Advantage, as you can switch back to your original policy.
You can also enroll in standalone Part D coverage without penalty if your Medicare Advantage plan included Part D coverage. This is a great way to get the prescription drug coverage you need.
However, it's worth noting that if it's not your first time in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can't switch to Original Medicare using a trial right. This is a one-time offer, so make sure you understand the rules.
If you're not satisfied with your Medicare Advantage plan, here are some options to consider during your trial period:
- Switch back to Original Medicare
- Enroll in a Medigap policy (if you previously had one)
- Buy a standalone Part D prescription drug plan (PDP)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty to switch back to original Medicare?
There is no penalty to switch back to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan. You can switch back without financial penalty during specific enrollment periods.
Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to original Medicare?
Yes, you can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare within the first 3 months of having Medicare Part A & Part B, also known as the Initial Enrollment Period. This allows you to make changes to your coverage without penalty.
Sources
- https://www.humana.com/medicare/medicare-resources/how-to-switch-medicare-plans
- https://medicareguide.com/medicare-advantage-to-original-medicare-165588
- https://www.humana.com/medicare/medicare-resources/medicare-advantage-trial-period
- https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/health/2024/01/09/christianacare-drops-humana-medicare-advantage-insurer/72088827007/
- https://www.ncoa.org/article/switching-medicare-plans/
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