Your Situation
Switching From Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement
Medicare Advantage works well for many people. But needs change — a new diagnosis, a specialist outside the network, more time away from home. Switching to Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement is possible, but in Wisconsin it usually means passing health questions first. Here's how to do it safely.
Why People Make the Switch
They need a specialist or hospital that isn't in their plan's network.
Prior authorizations or denied services have become a regular hassle.
They spend more time out of state, and their plan only covers emergencies there.
They want predictable costs instead of copays that add up with frequent care.
Not sure switching is right for you? Compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements side by side →
The Catch: Health Questions
Leaving Medicare Advantage is easy — you can do it during set windows each year. Getting a Medicare Supplement is the hard part. Outside of a guaranteed issue situation, Wisconsin insurers can ask about your health and may charge more or turn you down.
Never drop your Medicare Advantage plan first. Apply for the Medicare Supplement and wait until you're approved. If you leave Medicare Advantage and then get turned down, you could be stuck with Original Medicare alone — which has no out-of-pocket limit.
When You Can Switch With No Health Questions
In some situations, you have a guaranteed issue right. Insurers must sell you a Medicare Supplement without looking at your health.
Your trial right (first year on Medicare Advantage)
- If you joined Medicare Advantage when you first became eligible at 65, you can switch to Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement within your first 12 months.
- If you dropped a Medicare Supplement to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can go back within 12 months — to the same policy if it's still sold, or to another one.
Other guaranteed issue situations
- Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving your area or not renewing
- You move out of your plan's service area
- Your plan broke its rules or misled you
These rights usually last only about 63 days after your coverage ends.
Is your plan leaving your area? Read about losing coverage →
How to Switch Without a Gap
Check your timing
You can leave Medicare Advantage during Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7, coverage starts January 1) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31, coverage starts the next month). A guaranteed issue situation may give you a Special Enrollment Period instead.
Apply for the Medicare Supplement first
Answer the health questions honestly. Ask for a start date that lines up with when your Medicare Advantage plan will end.
Wait for approval in writing
Don't change anything else until you know you're approved and what your premium will be.
Join a Part D drug plan
Signing up for a standalone drug plan automatically ends your Medicare Advantage plan. Pick one that covers your prescriptions.
Confirm the dates
Make sure your Medicare Supplement and drug plan start the same day your Medicare Advantage plan ends.
If You Can't Pass the Health Questions
You still have options. A different Medicare Advantage plan may include the doctors and hospitals you need, or use a PPO network that lets you see providers outside the network for a higher cost. If your income is limited, you may qualify for programs that lower your costs. We'll look at every plan available in your county with you.
Wisconsin Medicare Supplements
How they're different here →
MAPD vs. Medicare Supplement
Full side-by-side comparison →
Still have questions? Talk with Marit.
Licensed Wisconsin agent in downtown Appleton. No cost to talk, no pressure to enroll.
Or send us a message →