Choosing Medicare open enrollment options– Beware!
If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan can you switch back to a regular Medicare plan next open enrollment? Thank you
Terry Says
This is tricky. Please read my recent column.
Yes, you CAN switch back next year. BUT if you have medical issues, you may not qualify for the most comprehensive Medicare supplement policy — thus potentially having more out-of-pocket costs. And that’s really important to understand. If you switch back because you are “sick” and want your favorite doctors or second opinions from famous surgeons not included in your Advantage plan, you may not get a supplement that will cover those costs!
Those Advantage plans look enticing with all the “free” stuff — but they are very limited in which docs you can use,which hospitals, and in getting referrals. So they work fine when you are well, but are limited if you fall ill — and you can’t always go back to that great supplement you had before!
