|
|
6/23/2025
|
General Assembly approves legislation on Medicare supplement consumer protections
|
STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly last week passed legislation introduced by Senate President Valarie J. Lawson and Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty to establish several consumer protections related to Medicare supplemental insurance plans. The measure now moves to the governor’s office.
The legislation (2025-S 0610B, 2025-H 5494A), which was submitted on behalf of the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner, provides several new protections related to Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap. It would also align Rhode Island’s Medicare supplement market with other states in the region. These plans help Medicare patients cover out-of-pocket costs that their original plans do not cover.
“Addressing Medicare supplement coverage, which can be complicated and difficult to navigate, is extremely important to ensuring seniors can get the best possible care while protecting their financial security,” said President Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence). “In 2023, I was proud to sponsor a law protecting seniors from denial of, or higher rates for, supplemental Medicare coverage based on pre-existing conditions. This legislation to create new consumer protections will provide additional consistency in the market and expand choice for Rhode Islanders, and I am grateful to OHIC and Commissioner Cory King for their work on this issue. Making health care accessible and affordable for all Rhode Islanders, including seniors, continues to be a top priority for me and my Senate colleagues.”
The legislation would provide flexibility for consumers through an annual open enrollment period for supplemental policies. It would also move Rhode Island to a community rating structure for Medicare Supplement plans as of January 1, 2026, and allow OHIC to bill insurance companies for the cost of rate filings, including actuarial services.
“This legislation is about broadening choice, creating fairness and making health care affordable for older Rhode Islanders,” said Representative Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown). “Providing financial flexibility is an indispensable part of health care. As you age, your assets tend to decrease, so it was important for us to be mindful of affordability when crafting this legislation.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
|
|