Should I Drop My Marketplace Plan When Medicare Starts?
Yes. When you qualify for premium-free Part A, you lose Marketplace subsidy eligibility even if you haven't enrolled yet. Keeping a Marketplace plan at full price alongside Medicare is almost never cost-effective. Transition to Medicare during your IEP.
When This Applies
- You are turning 65 with a Marketplace (ACA) plan
- You are paying for subsidized Marketplace coverage
- You are not sure whether to keep both Medicare and Marketplace
- You need to time the transition to avoid coverage gaps
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do I lose my subsidy?
- When you become eligible for premium-free Part A — which is usually at 65 whether or not you've enrolled.
- Can I keep both?
- Technically yes, but you'd pay full Marketplace price with no subsidy. It's almost never worth the cost.
- How do I time the cancellation?
- Cancel your Marketplace plan effective the month your Part B begins so there's no coverage gap.