The bill amends Section 27-18.2-3 of the General Laws regarding Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies, establishing new standards for policy provisions. It provides that individuals under the age of sixty-five (65) enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B applying for a Medicare supplement plan shall receive guaranteed issue rights for any standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A for at least one month each calendar year, as established by the office of the health insurance commissioner (OHIC). Additionally, individuals over the age of sixty-five (65) applying for any Medicare supplement plan shall also receive guaranteed issue rights for at least one month each calendar year as established by the OHIC.

The issuance or coverage of any Medicare supplement policy pursuant to these provisions shall not be conditioned on the medical or health status or receipt of healthcare by the applicant, and no insurer shall perform individual medical underwriting in connection with the issuance of a policy. This is provided that the applicant has been enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan under Medicare Part C, and remains enrolled in such a plan when the Medicare supplement application is submitted.

The act will take effect upon passage, enhancing access to Medicare supplement plans for both younger and older Medicare recipients.

Statutes affected:
5431: 27-18.2-3