The bill amends Section 27-18.2-3 of the General Laws regarding Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies to enhance consumer access and protections for individuals eligible for Medicare. Key provisions include the establishment of standards for policy provisions, which prohibit medical underwriting for eligible individuals applying for Medigap coverage and ensure continuous enrollment rights for Rhode Island residents eligible for Medicare due to age (65 years or older) or disability (under 65 years).

The bill mandates that premium rates for Medicare supplement policies be determined on a community-rated basis and prohibits insurers from using medical underwriting or any other method to deny coverage to eligible individuals. The Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) is required to conduct an annual review of premium rates for Medicare supplement policies and monitor compliance with the new regulations, with the authority to impose administrative penalties on insurers for violations.

Additionally, the bill removes previous language that required guaranteed issue rights for standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A during a specific annual enrollment period. If any provision of this section is held to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall not be affected. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aiming to improve access to Medicare supplement policies for eligible individuals.

Statutes affected:
5499: 27-18.2-3