How to Cancel Medicare Coverage: Complete Steps

Can I Cancel Medicare Anytime?

Many beneficiaries wonder if they can cancel Medicare whenever they want. The answer depends on which Medicare part you’re enrolled in. If you have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and pay a premium, or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), you generally can cancel at any time. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans can also typically be canceled at any time. However, for private plans like Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans), cancellations are generally limited to specific Medicare enrollment periods or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

It is crucial to know the timing for disenrollment because canceling certain parts of Medicare outside defined windows could cause gaps in your coverage or expose you to late enrollment penalties. For more on Medicare timing and rules, see When Can I Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

How to Cancel Medicare Part A

Most beneficiaries receive premium-free Part A due to at least 10 years (40 quarters) of Medicare-taxed employment, and this part typically cannot be canceled. But, individuals who pay a premium for Part A (because they did not pay into Medicare taxes long enough) may disenroll. Here’s how to cancel Medicare Part A:

• Obtain Form CMS-1763: Download this form from the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, request it by phone, or pick it up at your local Social Security office.
• Complete the form: Fill out your name, Medicare number, select “hospital insurance,” choose your termination date, explain your reason for canceling, and sign. Two witnesses must also sign.
• Submit your form: Mail, fax, or hand deliver the completed form to your local SSA office. You can also call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for assistance.
• Recent auto-enrollment: If you recently received your Medicare card and have been auto-enrolled, follow the instructions in your welcome packet to return the card if you want to cancel.

The effective date of cancellation is generally the last day of the month after your request is processed. For example, if you request on June 1, coverage typically ends on July 31.

Canceling Part A means you’ll be responsible for hospitalization and skilled nursing facility costs on your own, unless you have other creditable coverage. Be certain of your decision and consider potential care and cost implications.

How to Cancel Medicare Part B

Unlike Part A, everyone pays a monthly premium for Part B ($174.70 standard in 2024, subject to annual changes). You may want to cancel Medicare Part B if you have creditable coverage from an employer or a spouse, or for other reasons. The cancellation process is similar to canceling Part A:

• Use Form CMS-1763: Complete this form, but select “medical insurance” (Part B) instead of “hospital insurance.”
• Contact SSA: You can also reach the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. An interview may be required to confirm you have alternative, qualifying health coverage.
• Return your Medicare card if recently enrolled: If you do not want Part B, send your card back as instructed in the welcome packet. Keeping the card generally means you accept and retain Part B coverage.
• Retaining Part A: If you keep Part A only, Medicare will provide an updated card.

It’s important to note that if you cancel and wish to reenroll in Part B, you can generally only do so during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), with coverage beginning July 1. A permanent late enrollment penalty of 10% for every 12-month period you could’ve had Part B but didn’t may also apply, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

How to Cancel Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is offered by private insurance companies. Because it is a private plan, you can only disenroll from Medicare Advantage in these circumstances:

• Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7 each year. Any changes are effective January 1.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31 for those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.
• Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you move out of your plan’s service area, qualify for Medicaid, or experience other qualifying life events, you can switch or cancel outside the standard periods.

To cancel your Medicare Advantage plan:

• Contact your plan provider directly by phone (number on your membership card), through their website, or by submitting a written cancellation request or disenrollment form. Some plans may require a specific form.
• If you do not enroll in another Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you’ll be returned to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) automatically.

If you need assistance, you can always contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

How to Cancel Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage through private insurance carriers. As with Medicare Advantage, you can only cancel Part D plans during:

• The Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7
• A Special Enrollment Period: Triggered by qualifying events, such as moving or getting Extra Help

To cancel:

• Contact your Part D plan provider directly (phone number on your card or their website).
• You can also call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (available 24/7 except some holidays) for assistance or help with the cancellation process.
• If you enroll in a different Medicare Part D plan during an allowed enrollment period, your old Part D plan will automatically be canceled when your new coverage starts.

Canceling Part D may expose you to late enrollment penalties if you decide to re-enroll later and do not have other creditable prescription coverage. For details on how Medicare covers specific care, including drugs and therapies, see Medicare Coverage for Acupuncture: Benefits and Limits.

Canceling Medigap (Medicare Supplement)

Unlike Medicare Advantage and Part D, you can generally cancel your Medigap plan at any time by contacting your insurance provider directly. Call the number on your Medigap insurance card and follow your provider’s cancellation process. However, consider coverage gaps or the possibility of underwriting if you wish to purchase a new Medigap plan later. For more insight, review When Can I Change Medicare Supplement Plans?.

Important Considerations Before Canceling Medicare

• Loss of critical coverage: Without Medicare, you are responsible for all your medical expenses, which can become overwhelming, especially for hospital or skilled nursing care. You may want to review what constitutes a Medicare benefit period and what’s covered for extensive stays.
• Reenrollment & late penalties: If you choose to re-enroll in Medicare Part B or D after canceling, you may have to wait for the next General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), with coverage starting July 1. Additionally, you might face a Medicare late enrollment penalty for Part B (a permanent 10% increase for each 12-month period not enrolled, unless you are eligible for a SEP/Extra Help) or for Part D.
• Alternative coverage considerations: If you have insurance from an employer or spouse’s employer and the coverage is considered creditable, you can typically delay Part B without penalty. Always confirm details with your benefits administrator and Medicare to avoid coverage gaps or unexpected penalties. For people with dual Medicare-Medicaid coverage or are in unique situations, there may be additional protections or options.
• Official process & documentation: SSA and Medicare may require an interview and official documentation (CMS-1763) when you cancel Part A or B. Always keep a copy of all communications and confirmations from both Social Security and your plan providers.
• Returning to Medicare: If you need to reenroll, you may be subject to medical underwriting for Medigap or have to wait for standard enrollment windows for Parts B, C, or D. Review When Can I Change Medicare Supplement Plans? for more context.
• Enrollment period risks: Missing essential enrollment periods might mean paying higher costs or losing access to critical health services when you need them most.

Common reasons for Medicare disenrollment include qualifying for employer or spousal coverage, switching to a Medicare Advantage plan, returning to Original Medicare, or financial considerations. SSA and Medicare often require proof of new coverage and due diligence during the cancellation process.

Lastly, always consider how canceling your benefits will affect related health services, such as home health care. If you’re planning changes around Medicare qualifications for home health care, make sure any transition maintains your eligibility and coverage continuity.