What Happens When Your Medicare Advantage Plan Ends?

Short answer: In a typical plan non-renewal, doing nothing generally returns you to Original Medicare when the Advantage plan ends. But it may also leave you without broad outpatient prescription coverage, supplemental benefits, or protection from unlimited Part A and Part B cost sharing.

What continues—and what may not

Original Medicare preserves Part A and Part B coverage and generally allows care from providers who accept Medicare. It does not automatically include most outpatient prescriptions, routine dental, vision, hearing, transportation, or other benefits offered by an Advantage plan. Original Medicare also has no annual out-of-pocket maximum for Part A and Part B services.

The Part D risk

Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage. If you return to Original Medicare, you may need a stand-alone Part D plan. Going 63 consecutive days or more without creditable prescription coverage may lead to a late-enrollment penalty later.

The Medigap timing risk

Some people whose plan leaves Medicare or stops serving their area have limited federal guaranteed-issue rights. Eligible people can generally apply beginning 60 days before Advantage coverage ends and up to 63 days afterward. State law may provide more protection. Missing this window could subject a later application to underwriting where permitted.

Before the plan ends

• Confirm the ending date. • Review prescriptions and Part D options. • Ask doctors whether they accept Original Medicare. • Investigate Medigap promptly. • Check scheduled care and existing prior authorizations. • Keep all notices and enrollment confirmations.

Frequently asked questions

Will Medicare choose another Advantage plan for me? - Do not assume it will. In a typical non-renewal, the default is generally Original Medicare, not a replacement Advantage plan. Can I still choose a plan after the old one ends? - A Special Enrollment Period may remain available, but the dates depend on the termination event. Can I keep using the old plan card? - No. After coverage ends, use the cards for the coverage then in effect. Official resources - Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/your-medicare-coverage-choices) · Choosing a Medigap Policy (https://www.medicare.gov/publications/02110-medigap-guide-health-insurance.pdf)