H.B. No. 2516, known as the Chris Larkin ALS Act, amends the Texas Insurance Code to enhance access to Medicare supplement benefit plans for individuals under 65 years of age who are eligible for Medicare due to end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The bill introduces two new sections, 1652.059 and 1652.060, which require entities offering Medicare supplement plans to provide the same coverage to eligible individuals under 65 as they do for those 65 and older. Additionally, it mandates that standardized Medicare supplement plans (Plan A, Plan B, or Plan D) must be offered at the same premium rate as for individuals aged 65, while other plans cannot exceed 200% of the premium charged to those 65 and older.

The bill also establishes an enrollment period for eligible individuals under 65, allowing them to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan any time during a six-month period starting from their enrollment in Medicare Part B. During this enrollment period, entities cannot deny coverage, impose medical underwriting, or set waiting periods based on the applicant's health status. The changes will apply to plans delivered or renewed on or after September 1, 2025, with specific provisions for individuals already enrolled in Medicare Part B due to qualifying conditions. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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