Medicare trial rights protect beneficiaries who want to test a new coverage option without permanently losing access to Medigap supplemental insurance. Federal law guarantees these rights when you leave a Medigap policy to join a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time. You get a 12-month window to decide whether the new plan works for you. If it doesn’t, you can return to Original Medicare and buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting.
No health questions. No denial based on pre-existing conditions. These protections exist because switching plans carries real risk, especially for older adults managing chronic conditions. Understanding how medicare trial rights work before making any coverage change can prevent costly mistakes and gaps in care.
What Are Medicare Trial Rights and Who Qualifies?
Medicare trial rights are guaranteed issue protections written into federal law. They apply in specific situations when a beneficiary changes their coverage. The most common scenario involves dropping a Medigap policy to enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time. In that case, you receive a single 12-month trial period starting from your Medicare Advantage effective date. During those 12 months, you can disenroll from the Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare with full Medigap protections intact.
A second scenario involves Medicare SELECT policies, which are Medigap plans with network restrictions. If you buy a Medicare SELECT plan, you also get a 12-month trial right. Within that window, you can switch to any standard Medigap policy sold in your state. However, you must apply within 63 days of your Medicare SELECT coverage ending. Missing that deadline could mean facing medical underwriting.
Additionally, beneficiaries who turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time qualify. If the plan disappoints within 12 months, they can switch to Original Medicare and purchase Medigap Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, or N — depending on when they first became eligible for Medicare. For those new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, Plans C and F are no longer available.
How the 12-Month Trial Period and 63-Day Window Work
The timeline is strict. Your 12-month trial period begins on the effective date of your new Medicare Advantage enrollment. You can leave the Advantage plan at any point during those 12 months — you are not limited to the Annual Election Period. As a result, this gives you flexibility that most Medicare enrollees don’t have.
Once you decide to disenroll, a second clock starts. You can apply for a Medigap policy as early as 60 days before your Medicare Advantage coverage ends. You must apply no later than 63 days after coverage ends. This 63-day application window is critical. If you miss it, insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Mutual of Omaha, or Aetna can require full medical underwriting. That could mean higher premiums or outright denial based on your health history.
| Trigger Event | Trial Period | Application Deadline | Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop Medigap for Medicare Advantage (first time) | 12 months | 63 days after MA coverage ends | Your old Medigap plan or equivalent |
| Turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Advantage | 12 months | 63 days after MA coverage ends | Any Medigap plan sold in your state |
| Purchase a Medicare SELECT policy | 12 months | 63 days after SELECT coverage ends | Any standard Medigap plan in your state |
| Medicare Advantage plan discontinued by insurer | Immediate | 63 days after coverage ends | Any Medigap plan sold in your state |
Keep every document related to your coverage change. Insurers may request proof of your qualifying event — enrollment confirmation letters, termination notices, or plan cancellation records. Without documentation, exercising your medicare trial rights becomes significantly harder.
How to Exercise Your Medicare Trial Rights Step by Step
First, contact your Medicare Advantage plan to request disenrollment. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov to make the switch. Your return to Original Medicare typically takes effect the first day of the following month. Before disenrolling, research Medigap plans in your state. Premiums vary widely between insurers even though benefits are standardized by plan letter.
Next, apply for your Medigap policy within the 63-day window. If your previous insurer — whether it was Blue Cross, Cigna, or another carrier — still sells the same plan, you can typically get it back at standard rates. If that plan is no longer available, you can purchase a comparable Medigap policy. State protections matter here. For example, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York offer continuous open enrollment with guaranteed issue rights year-round. Meanwhile, most other states follow federal minimums only.
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For free personalized help, contact your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). SHIP counselors are trained to explain medicare trial rights and help you compare Medigap options at no cost. They can also verify whether your state offers protections beyond the federal baseline. The CMS Medigap resource page and the official “Choosing a Medigap Policy” guide from Medicare are also essential references before making any decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use medicare trial rights more than once?
No. Federal law provides only one trial right period when you drop Medigap to join Medicare Advantage for the first time. Subsequent Medicare Advantage enrollments do not trigger new trial rights. In most cases, switching plans a second time means facing medical underwriting for any future Medigap application.
What happens if I miss the 63-day deadline to apply for Medigap?
If you miss the 63-day application window, your medicare trial rights expire. Insurance companies can then deny your Medigap application or charge higher premiums based on your health status. However, a few states like New York and Massachusetts have year-round guaranteed issue protections that may still help you.
Do medicare trial rights apply if my Medicare Advantage plan leaves my area?
Yes. If your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued or exits your service area, you receive guaranteed issue rights to purchase any Medigap policy sold in your state. Typically, your plan will notify you at least 90 days before termination. Contact SHIP immediately to begin your Medigap application within the required timeframe.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on Medicare regulations and consumer protection:
- Medicare.gov (Official Site): medicare.gov
- CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services): cms.gov
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- KFF Medicare Research: kff.org/medicare
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.