House Bill 1848 amends Tennessee Code Annotated regarding Medicare supplement policies to include provisions for "non-age eligible persons," defined as individuals under sixty-five who qualify for Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease. The bill mandates that insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to individuals aged sixty-five and older must also provide these policies to non-age eligible persons who are enrolled in Medicare. Additionally, it establishes that all benefits and protections applicable to older individuals will similarly apply to non-age eligible persons, ensuring equitable access to Medicare supplement coverage.

The bill also introduces specific requirements for insurers regarding the pricing and issuance of policies to non-age eligible applicants. Insurers cannot deny or discriminate against applicants based on health status or medical conditions if they apply within designated timeframes. Furthermore, non-age eligible persons cannot be charged more than the weighted average aged premium rate for their policies, and such policies must not include waiting periods or preexisting condition limitations. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, applying to all relevant policies and contracts entered into or modified after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 56-7-1501, 56-7-1503(b), 56-7-1503, 56-7-1503(g)(1)(A), 56-7-1503(g)(1)(B), 56-7-1503(g)(1)(C), 56-7-1503(g)(2)