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 enrolled in Medicare due to end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The bill mandates that entities offering Medicare supplement plans to individuals aged 65 and older must also provide the same coverage to eligible individuals under 65. Additionally, it stipulates that standardized Medicare supplement plans (Plan A, Plan B, or Plan D) must be offered at the same premium rate as those charged to individuals aged 65, while other plans cannot exceed 200% of the premium rate for the same plan for older individuals.

The bill also establishes an enrollment period for eligible individuals under 65, allowing them to enroll in a Medicare supplement benefit plan any time during the six-month period following their enrollment in Medicare Part B. During this enrollment period, entities are prohibited from denying coverage, subjecting applicants to medical underwriting, imposing waiting periods, or excluding benefits based on preexisting conditions. The provisions of this Act will apply to plans delivered or renewed on or after September 1, 2025, with specific enrollment opportunities for individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare Part B due to qualifying conditions.

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