H 275 — An act relating to enrollment in Medicare supplement insurance policies

Bill Text

• Introduced As IntroducedOpens in a new window Current pdf

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes annual open enrollment periods for Medicare supplement insurance and prohibits penalties related to late enrollment and preexisting condition exclusions.

• 8 V.S.A. § 4080e

  A health insurance company, hospital or medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization offering a Medicare supplement insurance policy shall guarantee acceptance of an individual’s application for coverage during the six-month period following the individual’s 65th birthday and during an annual open enrollment period that shall coincide with the federal open enrollment period for Medicare Part D plans.

  This addition mandates guaranteed acceptance during specified periods.

• 8 V.S.A. § 4080e

  A health insurance company, hospital or medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization offering a Medicare supplement insurance policy shall not make any premium rate distinctions or charge any additional fees or penalty amounts based on an applicant’s failure to enroll in a Medicare supplement insurance policy during the applicant’s initial open enrollment period upon attaining 65 years of age.

  This prevents insurers from charging penalties for late enrollment.

• 8 V.S.A. § 4080e

  A health insurance company, hospital or medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization offering a Medicare supplement insurance policy shall not exclude, restrict, or otherwise limit coverage under the policy for any preexisting health condition.

  This prohibits preexisting condition exclusions in Medicare supplement insurance policies.

• 8 V.S.A. § 4080e

  A health insurance company, hospital or medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization offering a Medicare supplement insurance policy shall allow an enrollee to change at any time from one Medicare supplement insurance policy to another policy offering comparable or lesser benefits.

  This allows enrollees to switch policies at any time.

Action History

1. February 19, 2025

   Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care

Sponsors

• Casey J Toof · Primary
• Christopher "Chris" A Pritchard · Primary
• Sandra "Sandy" H Pinsonault · Primary
• William "Will" Greer · Primary
• Lucy Boyden · Primary
• Matthew J Birong · Primary
• VL L Coffin IV · Primary
• Robert J Hooper · Primary

Subjects