On Friday, June 20, the Rhode Island House passed SB610, Sub B, joining the Senate in approving a birthday rule and evaluation of adopting community rating for all Medicare Supplement plans.  SB 610 is awaiting the Governor’s signature. SB 610 does a number of things, including establishing a guaranteed-issue 6-month open enrollment period for individuals under-age 65 enrolled in a Medicare supplement (Medigap) plan who wish to switch to a different plan upon turning age 65.  While all individuals turning age 65 who enroll in Medicare Part B are entitled to this 6-month open enrollment period, this language eliminates any confusion [...]

With a unanimous vote in the Delaware House of Representatives on June 12, the Delaware General Assembly has unanimously passed SB 71 in both chambers. This legislation, called a birthday rule, creates a special open enrollment window for persons already enrolled in a Medicare Supplement policy (also called Medigap) to switch to another plan that provides the same or lesser benefits, allowing Enrollees to find a plan that better fits their financial circumstances. Further, this bill allows those on Medicare Advantage plans to switch back to Medicare Supplement coverage, but does include a pre-existing condition limitation.  The special open enrollment window [...]