There is a 12-month trial right period in the first year after you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. This only applies the first time you enroll in an Advantage plan and allows you to have a Guaranteed Issue (GI) to buy a Medigap plan with no underwriting (health questions). You won’t be refused coverage or pay more for your Medigap plan during this trial right period.
However, you may be limited to certain Medicap plans based on when you originally qualified for Medicare; if you qualified before 2020 you can buy plans A,B,C,D,F K AND L and if you qualified after January 1, 2020 then you can buy plans A,B,D,G,K AND L. Some states and carriers allow you to buy Plan N as well.
This Trial Right period works whether you originally enrolled in a Medigap plan, then went to an Advantage plan, or went right into an Advantage plan when you turned 65 or retired. You get the first year to decide if the Advantage plan is right for you.
This is a great way for Medicare beneficiaries to try out an Advantage plan before being tied to it permanently.
Many people are unaware of this trial right period, but we hope this has helped you understand more about this useful enrollment option. As always, we are here to answer your questions and help you, your friends and family members to enroll in the right plan at the right time.