Can beneficiaries switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?

Beneficiaries can indeed switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare during specific designated times. The correct answer reflects the provisions that allow this transition during the Open Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Periods. The Open Enrollment Period occurs each year from October 15 to December 7, during which beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage, including switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. Additionally, Special Enrollment Periods arise due to certain circumstances, such as moving out of a plan's service area or other qualifying events, which also permit beneficiaries to make changes to their coverage.

This flexibility is important for beneficiaries as it allows them to adjust their healthcare coverage based on their needs, lifestyle changes, or dissatisfaction with their current plan. It ensures that individuals have options that can better fit their healthcare requirements at different times in their lives.

The other choices do not accurately represent the established rules regarding switching plans, thereby making those alternatives less viable in the context of Medicare guidelines.