Switching from Medicare Advantage plan back to original Covering The Bases

I enrolled in an HMO Medicare Advantage plan. My doctor isn't in the network and I do not want to change doctors. Medicare's open enrollment has come and gone. Can I "undo" my decision and return to Original Medicare?

The Medicare Advantage disenrollment period allows people who elect a Medicare Advantage plan a chance to change their minds and return to Original Medicare. You may drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare from Jan. 1 until Feb. 14. If you make a change back to Original Medicare, the effective date of the change will be the first day of month after you request the change-over.

If you decide to drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, you will have a special enrollment period to elect a Part D drug plan. You may call 1-800-MEDICARE (or visit www.medicare.gov) to evaluate the Part D options available to you.

To disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, you would need to either: make a disenrollment request directly to the Medicare Advantage plan; call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a disenrollment; or enroll in a Part D drug plan.

Many people who want to return to Original Medicare also want to purchase a Medigap (Medicare supplement policy). Be forewarned that you may not have a "guarantee issue" right to purchase a Medigap plan. A Medigap plan may be able to impose medical-underwriting. Medical-underwriting simply means that a Medigap plan may ask health questions; it is up to the Medigap plan's discretion if they want to issue you a policy.

If you are considering a Medigap plan, you would be advised to read the booklet, "Choosing a Medigap," to see if you would fall under any "guarantee issue" situations that would protect you from medical-underwriting. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE to request this booklet, or download the booklet by visiting www.medicare.gov.

If you have more questions about your specific situation, contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 410-222-4257, ext. 4077.

I am so confused about Medicare. I turn 65 in March. I called 1-800-MEDICARE and have spent hours on their website, www.medicare.gov. Honestly, I would just like to sit down with someone, face-to-face, and discuss my questions. Is there a local Medicare office?

No, there is no local Medicare office where you can meet with a person and have a face-to-face conversation. The local Department of Aging and Disabilities runs the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Specially-trained volunteers may offer assistance to you, face-to-face, and help you with your Medicare questions. Please call SHIP at 410-222-4257, ext. 4077, for an appointment.

Amy Rubino is the director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either

program at 410-222-4257 or ship_program@aacounty.org.

Credit: Amy Rubino