The bill amends Section 27-18.2-3 of the General Laws regarding Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies, introducing new provisions aimed at enhancing consumer access to these policies. Key insertions include the establishment of continuous enrollment rights for Rhode Island residents eligible for Medicare due to age or disability, prohibiting insurers from using medical underwriting to deny coverage, and mandating that premium rates be determined on a community-rated basis. Additionally, the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) is tasked with conducting annual reviews of premium rates and monitoring compliance with the new regulations, which may include imposing administrative penalties for violations.
The bill also removes several existing provisions that previously guaranteed issue rights for standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A during an annual enrollment period and specified conditions under which applicants could be denied coverage based on their medical status. The changes aim to simplify the enrollment process and ensure that individuals eligible for Medicare can access necessary supplement policies without facing barriers related to their health status. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.