What is a Medicare trial right
When a beneficiary enrolls in Original Medicare (they may also be enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D/PDP plan) and now want to try a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare trial rights provide the chance to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan and have 12-month trial period. During this time, beneficiaireis can decide if an MA/MAPD plan is a good choice. If the Medicare Advantage plan isn’t what they wanted, they can switch back to Original Medicare. Once they switch back, they have the option to purchase a Medicare Supplement and PDP plan if they choose to.
Medicare agents, learn about Medicare OEP, SEPs and late Part B enrollment
If you are an agent looking for an FMO, click here for online contracting with Crowe
When can a beneficiary can use a Medicare trial right
Beneficiaries who joined a Medicare Advantage plan when you were first eligible for Medicare
If a beneficiary enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan when they first enroll in Medicare (IEP), they can switch to Original Medicare during the first year of enrollment in the MA/MAPD plan. The trial right lets them leave an MA/MAPD plan and enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan and a PDP plan. They can choose any plan available in their local area.
Those who dropped a Medigap policy to join a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time
When a beneficiary disenrolls from a Medigap policy to try out a Medicare Advantage plan, they have 12 months to go back to Original Medicare if they don’t like MA/MAPD plan. Beneficiaries can purchase a Medciare Supplement and PDP plan. When they do this, they do not have to go through underwriting to qualify for the Medicare Supplement plan.
More trial right information
Please note: beneficiaries can use the trial right period only once. However, there are other opportunities for clients to change their coverage.
Click here to learn about enrollment periods
It is important to remember, beneficiaries can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan as early as 60 days before their MA/MAPD plan ends. They cannot enroll in a Medicare Supplement more than 63 days after MA/MAPD coverage ends.
Find out what Medicare Advantage plans don’t cover
Note: If you leave a MAPD plan during a trial right and go back to Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan, you should also enroll in a Medicare PDP plan at that time.
Before using a trial right
Beneficiaries should understand their current plan benefits completely. This includes coverage, costs and provider networks. A licensed agent can help provide a comparison of plan choice and help clients make an informed decision. It is important to consder all health care needs and costs before making a plan change.