When a client enrolls in a MA plan, does it automatically terminate their original plan?

When a client enrolls in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, their original Medicare plan (typically Part A and Part B) does not automatically terminate. Clients who choose an MA plan still have Original Medicare, but they will receive most of their Medicare benefits through the MA plan. This allows them to keep their Original Medicare coverage while gaining additional benefits and services offered by the MA plan.

Enrolling in an MA plan essentially serves as an alternative to using Original Medicare exclusively but does not inherently terminate it. Instead, it provides a way for clients to receive their Medicare services through a different framework that may offer additional advantages such as vision, dental, or other services that Original Medicare does not cover.

The termination of the Original Medicare plan occurs if the member specifically chooses to end it, or if they do not pay their premiums. It's crucial for members to understand that while they can access services through the MA plan, they still have the option to return to Original Medicare if they wish, within the appropriate enrollment periods. This clarifies the nature of coverage rather than leading to automatic terminations of prior plans.