Navigating Medicare for the first time can feel confusing, especially with so many plan types, rules, and enrollment windows to keep in mind. One important protection that often gets overlooked is the Medicare Advantage trial right. This built‑in safeguard gives certain beneficiaries a full year to try out a Medicare Advantage plan without being permanently locked into it. If the plan doesn’t meet your expectations, this rule allows you to return to Original Medicare and apply for Medigap coverage without facing medical underwriting.

Understanding how this trial right works can make a major difference in choosing coverage that truly fits your healthcare needs and long‑term budget.

What Is the Medicare Advantage Trial Right?

The Medicare Advantage trial right is a one‑time opportunity for eligible beneficiaries to test a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan for up to 12 months. During this period, if you decide the plan isn’t the best match for your needs, you can switch back to Original Medicare and apply for a Medigap policy—without worrying about being denied based on your health history.

One key rule to remember is that you cannot hold both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap policy at the same time. You must choose one path during your trial period, and if you switch back to Original Medicare, that’s when your Medigap eligibility opens.

Why the Trial Right Matters

Outside of this specific window, moving from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare can be much more challenging. Typically, Medigap insurers are allowed to require medical underwriting. That means they can decline your application or charge higher premiums if you have certain pre‑existing conditions.

The trial right essentially provides a “safety net,” giving you a risk‑free way to explore Medicare Advantage without forfeiting guaranteed access to Medigap. Think of it as a test‑drive—you get to experience how an Advantage plan works in real life before committing to it long‑term.

Who Is Eligible for the Trial Right?

Eligibility for this benefit depends on how you enroll in Medicare Advantage. There are two main groups who qualify.

1. New Medicare Beneficiaries Enrolling in Medicare Advantage at Age 65

If you’re newly eligible for Medicare Part A and sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan right away, you receive a 12‑month trial period. During this time, you are free to return to Original Medicare and purchase any Medigap plan sold in your state. Insurers must accept your application without asking health‑related questions or applying coverage restrictions.

2. Beneficiaries Switching from Original Medicare With Medigap to Medicare Advantage for the First Time

If you currently have Original Medicare and a Medigap policy and choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time, you also receive a 12‑month trial. If you later decide Medicare Advantage doesn’t meet your expectations, you can switch back to Original Medicare. You’ll also be able to enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan and either return to your previous Medigap policy (if it’s still offered) or choose another option in your state—both without underwriting.

Timing Matters

While the trial right offers flexibility, the timing requirements are strict. You may disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan at any point within the 12‑month window. Once you choose to leave, you’ll enter a special enrollment period that allows you to apply for Medigap.

This enrollment period begins up to 60 days before your coverage ends and extends for 63 days after your Medicare Advantage plan terminates. If you don’t act during this timeframe, you may lose your guaranteed access to Medigap and could face medical underwriting in the future.

Staying aware of the timeline can help ensure you don’t miss this brief but vital opportunity.

Making the Most of Your Medicare Options

Your healthcare needs are personal, and Medicare coverage should reflect that. The trial right exists to protect you during your first major Medicare decision—giving you the freedom to make adjustments if your initial choice doesn’t align with your health requirements or financial goals.

Whether you’re turning 65 or trying Medicare Advantage for the first time after using Medigap, this rule gives you peace of mind. It ensures that your first year with Medicare Advantage isn’t a one-way door and that you can return to a coverage structure you trust without penalty.

Final Thoughts

Selecting Medicare coverage can feel like a lifelong commitment, but the Medicare Advantage trial right ensures you have one chance to change course without losing important protections. Knowing how this trial works—and the deadlines attached to it—can help you safeguard your long‑term health coverage and avoid unexpected limitations later on.

If you’re uncertain about your eligibility or unsure whether your current plan fits your needs, consider connecting with a licensed advisor who can walk you through your options. This one‑time opportunity is too important to overlook, especially when it comes to maintaining control of your healthcare choices and financial security.