Dear Marci,

I switched from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan during Fall Open Enrollment last year, but now I realize that I preferred my Original Medicare coverage. Are there any options available to switch back, or do I have to wait until Fall Open Enrollment in 2016?

– Lindsey (Lincoln, NE)

Dear Lindsey,

You do not have to wait until Fall Open Enrollment to switch back to Original Medicare from your Medicare Advantage Plan. You can use the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) to disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and enroll in Original Medicare. The MADP runs from January 1 to February 14 of each year.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will be able to switch to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone Part D plan. Any changes you make during this period will take effect the first of the following month. For example, if you disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and switch to Original Medicare in February, your coverage takes effect March 1. You will maintain your Medicare Advantage Plan coverage until the new effective date for your Original Medicare coverage. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE to make changes during this enrollment period.

It is important to think about how these changes could affect your Medigap enrollment rights. Medigaps are supplemental insurance policies that work with Original Medicare to cover certain cost-sharing obligations. According to federal laws, there are certain protected times when you can buy a Medigap, including the first six months that you have Part B, or within 63 days of losing certain types of coverage. Protected means that insurance companies must give you the best available rate and cannot deny you coverage. These federal regulations do not extend to changes made during the MADP, but some states may offer additional enrollment protections. Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to buy a Medigap if you disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan to switch back to Original Medicare. To learn more about the Medigap enrollment rules in your state, you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Before making any changes, make sure you know how changing your health and drug coverage may affect you. There are certain differences between Medicare Advantage Plans and Original Medicare. For instance, Medicare Advantage Plans may restrict coverage to provider networks, while Original Medicare covers services as long as you go to a provider who accepts Medicare and takes assignment. On the other hand, some Medicare Advantage Plans include coverage of services that are otherwise excluded from Medicare coverage, such as basic vision and dental benefits.

It is important to weigh your health care options before making changes during this period. You may not have a chance to change your coverage again until Fall Open Enrollment in October 2016, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period during the year.