If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan and you want to switch to traditional Medicare, you should contact your current plan to cancel your enrollment and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Note there are specific enrollment periods each year to do this.

If you switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to traditional Medicare and you want drug coverage, you can sign up during the Medicare Open Enrollment period for a stand-alone prescription drug plan in your area. Your new coverage will take effect on January 1.

In choosing among the many Medicare Advantage plans, it is useful to think about what’s most important to you in a health plan.

If you enroll in a plan during the Medicare Open Enrollment period that runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, your coverage takes effect on January 1 of the following year.

Yes, if a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan with a 5-star rating is available in your area, there is a Special Enrollment Period that allows you to switch from your current Medicare plan to a Medicare plan with a “5-star” quality rating.

No, Medicare Advantage plans charge the same premiums to all enrollees; they are not permitted to vary premiums based on age, smoking history, gender, or pre-existing medical conditions.