Medicare Switch: Weighing Pros and Cons

0:00This is Cory with the story with Durham News today, powered by the Daily News Now. Many retirees are switching from Medicare Advantage plans back to original Medicare during the Open Enrollment period that ends March 31st. These plans often promise lower premiums and extras, like dental coverage, but issues like shrinking networks or plans leaving markets push people to. Change The catch is that without a Medigap supplement, original Medicare has no yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs for deductibles and copays. Medicare Advantage exits have spiked, with forced disenrollments jumping from 1% to nearly 7% this year. Rural areas and spots with fewer plans see the biggest pull-outs, affecting over half of beneficiaries now in advantage. People leave for more doctor choice, but insurers are dropping regions as profits tighten. This switch hits hard because after your initial six-month Medigap window at age 65, most states require medical underwriting.

1:00Common issues like diabetes complications, heart failure, or even past cancer can lead to denials or higher rates. Prescription histories now often decide eligibility, surprising many healthy looking applicants. Federal rules offer guaranteed Medigap access in specific cases, like if your plan exits your area or you move out of its service zone with windows. Out to 63 days after coverage ends. A few states like New York allow signups any time without checks, and there's a one-year trial right if you joined Advantage, right at 65. Before dropping your plan, contact Free State Health Insurance Assistance Program, counselors at shiphelp.org, or 877-839-2675. They help check options and insurers in your state, always confirm Medigap first to avoid gaps, as staying put might be safer for some. The Daily News Now is made possible with support from our sponsor. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you, a pillow with built-in sound,

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