How to Cancel Different Parts of Medicare

Part A

You’re unable to cancel premium-free Part A.

You can only elect to cancel Part A if you pay a monthly premium. You can cancel premium Part A at any time.

To get started, download Form CMS-1763 from the Medicare website or visit your local Social Security office to receive a paper copy.

Make sure you fill it out completely. This includes:

• writing your full name and Medicare number
• checking the box for “hospital insurance”
• scheduling the date of termination
• writing a brief explanation for your request
• signing and dating the form to authorize termination

Anyone who fills out the form on your behalf is expected to include their full name. You’ll also need two people to act as witnesses to this exchange. Each witness will write their full name, primary address, and mailing address.

Mail or fax the completed form to your local Social Security office. Your coverage will end on the last day of the month after you file your request.

For example, if you submit your request on April 1, your coverage will end on May 31.

Late enrollment penalty

If you don’t qualify for a special enrollment period, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty for twice as long as you go without Part A coverage.

Part B

You can cancel Part B at any time.

Option 1: Return your Medicare card

If you recently received a welcome packet notifying you of your automatic enrollment in Original Medicare, you must follow the instructions included in your packet to opt out of coverage.

This usually involves mailing your Medicare card back. If you don’t return the card, you will be responsible for paying the monthly premium for Part B.

If you want to keep Part A, still return your card. Medicare will mail you a new card showing that you have Part A coverage.

Option 2: Contact Social Security

Download Form CMS-1763 from the Medicare website or visit your local Social Security office to receive a paper copy.

Make sure you fill it out completely. This includes:

• writing your full name and Medicare number
• checking the box for “hospital insurance”
• scheduling the date of termination
• writing a brief explanation for your request
• signing and dating the form to authorize termination

Anyone who fills out the form on your behalf is expected to include their full name. You’ll also need two people to act as witnesses to this exchange. Each witness will write their full name, primary address, and mailing address.

Mail or fax the completed form to your local Social Security office.

Your coverage will end on the last day of the month after you file your request. For example, if you submit your request on April 1, your coverage will end on May 31.

Late enrollment penalty

If you don’t qualify for a special enrollment period, you’ll have to pay a monthly late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. The longer you go without Part B coverage, the higher the penalty will be.

Part C

You can only cancel Part C during an open enrollment period or special enrollment period. The annual open enrollment period for all Medicare plans lasts from October 15 to December 7. The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period lasts from January 1 to March 31.

To get started, you must contact your Part C provider directly. Look for a phone number on your plan’s card or a “Contact Us” page on your insurance provider’s website.

Your Part C provider will guide you through the process. It usually involves submitting a written request or completing a disenrollment form.

Unless you enroll in a new plan after canceling your current Part C policy, you will be automatically enrolled in an Original Medicare plan.

You’ll receive a welcome packet in the mail with instructions for accepting or declining coverage.

Part D

You can only cancel Part D during an open enrollment period or special enrollment period. The annual open enrollment period for all Medicare plans lasts from October 15 to December 7.

Option 1: Contact Medicare

You can call Medicare at 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, excluding some federal holidays.

Option 2: Contact your plan provider

Look for a phone number on your plan’s card or a “Contact Us” page on your insurance provider’s website.

Your Part D provider will guide you through the process. It usually involves submitting a written request or completing a disenrollment form.

Late enrollment penalty

If you don’t qualify for Extra Help, you’ll have to pay a monthly late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part D coverage. The penalty depends on how long you went without creditable drug coverage.

Medigap

You can cancel Medigap at any time. Look for a phone number on your plan’s card or a “Contact Us” page on your insurance provider’s website.

Your Medigap provider will guide you through the process. It usually involves submitting a written request or completing a disenrollment form.

It’s important to understand that you may not be able to enroll in a new Medigap policy in the future.

You usually can’t switch a Medigap policy outside of your initial open enrollment period. Unlike other Medicare plans, Medigap does not have an annual open enrollment period.

So, if you cancel your current plan, you will not be able to enroll in a new Medigap policy unless you have a guaranteed issue right. Contact your state insurance department to learn more.

The bottom line

You can cancel premium Part A, Part B, and Medigap at any time. You can only cancel Part C and Part D during certain enrollment periods.

If you have questions about your coverage or cancellation, contact Medicare at 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048).

You can also contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get free personalized health insurance counseling. To learn more, call the SHIP National Technical Assistance Center at 877-839-2675.