When enrolling in Medicare Advantage for the first time, it’s crucial to be aware of the Trial Right Period. This 12-month window allows you the option to return to Original Medicare (and a Medigap plan, if desired) if you decide it’s the better choice for your needs. Today, we’ll explore the guidelines, eligibility criteria, and advantages of utilizing this opportunity to assess your Medicare Advantage plan.
What Is the Medicare Advantage Trial Right?
The Medicare Advantage Trial Right is a 12-month period that allows individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to switch back to Original Medicare. This trial period begins on the effective date of the Medicare Advantage plan and offers beneficiaries the freedom to make this change without facing penalties, even if they’ve already used healthcare services under their Medicare Advantage coverage.
After the 12-month trial period ends, changes to your plan can only be made during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 through December 7. During this time, you can disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, with coverage changes taking effect on January 1.
It’s important to note that the Medicare Advantage Trial Right applies exclusively to beneficiaries who are trying a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan for the first time. This could include individuals enrolling in Part C when they turn 65 or those who previously only had a Medicare Supplement plan.
How the Medicare Advantage Trial Right Works
If you decide to return to Original Medicare during your Trial Right Period, there are several factors to keep in mind.
First, you may need to enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. Since most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription benefits, you’ll need a Part D plan to replace this coverage. Failing to enroll in Part D can result in penalties later. However, if you have other creditable prescription drug coverage, such as VA Healthcare or TRICARE for Life, a Part D plan may not be necessary.
Additionally, consider enrolling in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap plans don’t replace your Original Medicare benefits but instead act as secondary coverage. If you are still within the 12-month Trial Right Period, you can enroll in a Medigap plan without undergoing medical underwriting. However, your options might be limited to the plan you had before switching to Medicare Advantage unless you can pass underwriting. Keep in mind that each state has its own rules regarding the Medigap plans available during the Trial Right Period.
Finally, you may want to explore additional coverage options, such as a Dental, Vision, and Hearing plan, to help with out-of-pocket costs for these services. Original Medicare, with or without a Medigap plan, typically does not include the extra benefits that Medicare Advantage plans often provide.
Advantages of the Medicare Advantage Trial Period
The Medicare Advantage Trial Period offers individuals the opportunity to explore a Medicare Advantage plan and evaluate whether it meets their healthcare needs, all while remaining free from long-term commitment. If, after the trial period, you decide to return to Original Medicare, you generally have to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period to make the change.
As mentioned earlier, this period also allows you to apply for a Medigap plan. Although you can apply for Medigap coverage at any time, approval typically requires passing medical underwriting. The Trial Period removes this barrier, offering guaranteed issue rights for those seeking Medigap coverage.
Since Medicare Advantage plans operate differently from Original Medicare, the Trial Period provides beneficiaries with a chance to test the plan and determine if it’s the right fit, without being locked into a long-term commitment.
Take Advantage of Your Medicare Trial Right
The Medicare Advantage Trial Right provides a valuable opportunity to assess whether a Medicare Advantage plan fits your healthcare needs. If you’re considering this option, Carolina Senior Benefits is here to guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for your coverage. Reach out today to learn more about your options and how we can assist you in navigating your Medicare choices!
