What action is required upon enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan for those with a Medicare supplement plan?

When someone enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan, it is generally advisable to cancel their Medicare supplement plan. This is due to the fact that Medicare Advantage plans are designed to offer all the benefits of Medicare Part A and Part B, and they often include additional benefits as well. Since Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage that is similar to (and sometimes more comprehensive than) traditional Medicare, maintaining a supplement plan can result in unnecessary additional costs since the supplement would no longer be needed to cover gaps in what traditional Medicare does not pay.

Therefore, taking action to cancel the Medicare supplement plan helps to avoid paying for duplicate coverage. It is essential for individuals to evaluate their specific needs and the details of both plans, but typically, if someone is fully transitioning to a Medicare Advantage plan, they can safely discontinue their supplement plan to prevent financial waste.