Bill > HB1603

This bill amends existing Washington state law to provide guaranteed issue of Medicare supplemental insurance coverage to individuals who voluntarily disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that allows individuals who switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to traditional Medicare during an established open enrollment or special enrollment period to obtain a Medicare supplement policy without being denied coverage or charged higher rates based on their health status. The legislation ensures that when such individuals switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to original Medicare, insurance companies must offer them a supplemental policy without medical underwriting, meaning they cannot be denied coverage or charged higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions. This change provides more flexibility for Medicare beneficiaries who want to change their health coverage and ensures they can obtain supplemental insurance to help cover out-of-pocket costs associated with traditional Medicare. The bill is part of a broader set of consumer protections in Washington state's insurance regulations designed to help Medicare beneficiaries access affordable and comprehensive health coverage.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1603&Year=2025&Initiative=false