US charges 11 people in Russia-based scheme to bilk Medicare of $10bn

[eppur_se_muova]

31. Yes, you can go back to regular Medicare. But it's a PITA -- you have to drop during certain periods.

There are specific times when you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare
drug plan, or make changes to your existing Medicare coverage:
• During your Initial Enrollment Period (when you first become eligible for Medicare,
or when you turn 65). Go to page 2.
• During certain yearly enrollment periods. Go to page 3.
• Under certain circumstances if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, as
described below. Go to page 4
***
Medicare Advantage Open
Enrollment Period
• If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare
Advantage Plan, this period runs from
January 1– March 31.
• If you’re new to Medicare and enroll in a
Medicare Advantage Plan, this period runs
from the first month you’re entitled to both
Part A and Part B, until the last day of the 3rd
month you’re first entitled.
(You can use the Medicare Advantage Open
Enrollment Period to make only one change.
Changes will take effect the first day of the
month after the plan gets your request.)

• Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or
without drug coverage).
• Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and go back to
Original Medicare. If you do this, you’ll be able to join a
Medicare drug plan.

https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11219-Understanding-Medicare-Advantage-Medicare-Drug-Plan-Enrollment-Periods.pdf