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IA HF70

IA HF70
A bill for an act relating to Medicare supplement policies and an annual open enrollment period.(See HF 308.)


summary

Introduced
01/16/2025
In Committee
01/16/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to Medicare supplement policies and an annual open enrollment period. Beginning January 1, 2025, applicants shall have an annual 31-day open enrollment period that begins on March 1. “Applicant” is defined in the bill as an individual who is a covered person under an individual or group Medicare supplement policy. “Applicant” includes an individual under the age of 65 who qualifies for Medicare due to disability, end-stage renal disease, or exposure to an environmental hazard. “Medicare supplement policy” is also defined in the bill. During the open enrollment period, for at least one Medicare supplement policy or certificate that the issuer offers and that is available for issuance in the state, an issuer is prohibited from denying or conditioning the issuance or effectiveness of the Medicare supplement policy or certificate; from subjecting an applicant to medical underwriting or discriminating in the pricing of the Medicare supplement policy or certificate because of the health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or medical condition of an applicant; and from imposing an exclusion of benefits based on an applicant’s preexisting condition. An issuer shall provide notice, in a form prescribed by the commissioner of insurance, of the annual open enrollment period at the time an applicant applies for a Medicare supplement policy or certificate. “Issuer” is defined in the bill.

AI Summary

This bill establishes an annual 31-day open enrollment period for Medicare supplement insurance policies in Iowa, beginning March 1st each year starting in 2025. The bill defines key terms such as "applicant" (which includes individuals under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or other specific conditions), "issuer" (insurance companies and similar entities that provide Medicare supplement policies), and "Medicare supplement policy" (insurance designed to complement Medicare coverage). During the open enrollment period, insurance issuers are prohibited from denying coverage, imposing medical underwriting, discriminating in pricing based on an applicant's health status, or excluding benefits due to preexisting conditions for at least one of their available Medicare supplement policies. Issuers must also provide notice of the open enrollment period when an applicant applies for a Medicare supplement policy. This legislation aims to provide more accessible and equitable health insurance options for Medicare beneficiaries by creating a standardized annual period during which individuals can more easily obtain Medicare supplement coverage regardless of their health status.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 308. (on 02/10/2025)

bill text


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