This bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes concerning Medicare supplement insurance policies, particularly focusing on preexisting condition limitations and the rights of individuals losing coverage. It replaces the previous subdivision 1w in section 62A.31 with a new subdivision 1v, which updates policy requirements and introduces provisions for suspending benefits and premiums for policyholders who become entitled to medical assistance. The bill also eliminates certain provisions that allowed health carriers to impose preexisting condition limitations or discriminate based on health status during specified enrollment periods, thereby enhancing access to Medicare supplement insurance for individuals, especially those with preexisting conditions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals losing coverage be informed of their rights and the obligations of Medicare supplement policy issuers at the time of termination or disenrollment. It clarifies that these rights are supplementary to existing laws and prohibits the use of waivers to exclude coverage for preexisting conditions, except under specific circumstances. New requirements for application forms are introduced, which must include questions to identify existing coverage and potential duplications. The bill also outlines necessary notices for applicants regarding the replacement of Medicare supplement coverage and repeals certain existing statutes related to open enrollment periods, establishing an effective date for the new provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 62A.31, 62A.44