How does a client disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan?
A client can disenroll from an MA plan either by enrolling in a new plan during a valid election period, or by submitting a disenrollment request directly to the plan (mail, fax, secure website, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE). Emailing the plan or using a broker's website are not acceptable methods.
What the rule says
“An individual who wishes to disenroll from an MA plan may change his or her election during the election periods specified in § 422.62 in either of the following manners:”
“Elect a different MA plan by filing the appropriate election with the MA organization.”
“Submit a request for disenrollment to the MA organization in the form and manner prescribed by CMS or file the appropriate disenrollment request through other mechanisms as determined by CMS.”
CMS guidance lists the specific accepted methods:
“Individuals may voluntarily disenroll from a plan by:”
“Mailing or faxing a signed notice of disenrollment to the plan, or to the individual's employer/union group, where applicable;”
“Submitting an electronic request via the plan's secure internet website (if the plan offers such an option); or”
“Calling 1-800-MEDICARE.”
“Online disenrollment by other means, such as emailing the plan (including emailing an attachment of the signed notice of disenrollment) or via a broker website, are not permitted.”
The disenrollment request must fall within a valid election period, and the effective date depends on which one applies:
“If an MA organization or Part D sponsor receives a disenrollment request when more than one election period applies, the plan must allow the individual to choose which election period to use.”
This answer relies on the CY 2027 enrollment guidance, which applies to enrollment requests received on or after January 1, 2027 (and may be applied by plans to AEP enrollments effective January 1, 2027).
Carrier and FMO rules are often stricter than CMS rules. This tool reports what CMS sources say and is not legal advice. Enrollment guidance shown is the CY 2027 version. Regulation text reflects the CY 2027 marketing rules, which apply to marketing beginning October 1, 2026.
This answer was generated by mapdbot from the sources listed below on September 23, 2026 and checked against them. Regulation text: eCFR as of 09/15/2026. It is for licensed insurance agents, is not legal advice, and does not cover carrier or FMO rules.