The bill amends Section 27-18.2-3 of the General Laws regarding Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies, introducing new standards for policy provisions. Key insertions include the establishment of guaranteed issue rights for individuals under sixty-five (65) years of age who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, allowing them to apply for any standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A during a designated month each year. Additionally, individuals over sixty-five (65) years of age will also have guaranteed issue rights for at least one month each calendar year for any Medicare supplement plan, as determined by the office of the health insurance commissioner. The bill emphasizes that the issuance of these policies will not be conditioned on the applicant's medical or health status, nor will individual medical underwriting be performed.

The bill also includes several deletions, notably removing the previous stipulation that guaranteed issue rights applied "regardless of age" and the requirement for applicants to be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan when submitting their application. The new language clarifies that both age groups will have equal access to Medicare supplement plans without the burden of medical underwriting, thereby enhancing coverage options for Medicare recipients. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5431: 27-18.2-3