If you’re thinking about trying a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time, there’s good news: you might be eligible for a Trial Right, which gives you a guaranteed opportunity to return to your original Medigap plan—or get a new one—within the first 12 months.
This right is also sometimes referred to as a Guaranteed Issue (GI) Right or SEP-65, and it’s designed to give beneficiaries peace of mind when exploring different Medicare coverage options.
What Is a Trial Right?
A Trial Right protects Medicare beneficiaries who want to “test drive” a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare SELECT plan without permanently giving up their Medigap policy.
Here’s how it works:
Who Qualifies for a Trial Right?
You qualify if:
- You dropped a Medigap policy to join a Medicare Advantage Plan, or
- You switched to a Medicare SELECT policy for the first time.
You now have a 12-month window to decide whether it’s the right fit.
What Are Your Options?
If you decide that the new plan isn’t working out for you, you can:
✅ Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare,
AND
✅ Reenroll in your previous Medigap policy, as long as it’s still available.
If your original Medigap policy is no longer offered, you still have a guaranteed issue right to buy certain Medigap plans from any insurance company in your state that sells them—no health questions asked.
When Do You Have to Act?
You have up to 12 months from the date you first joined the Medicare Advantage or Medicare SELECT plan.
That gives you time to try it out, assess your healthcare and financial needs, and make sure you’re comfortable with your coverage.
Why It Matters
This rule is especially valuable for people turning 65 (hence “SEP-65”) who are brand new to Medicare. It removes the risk of losing access to Medigap coverage altogether—so you can explore new options with confidence.
Pro Tip: Keep documentation of your enrollment dates and plan changes. If you decide to use your trial right, it will help streamline the process.
📞 Have any questions?
Contact National Insurance Markets today and get expert support from agents who put clients first.
