Bill > HB2516

This bill, also known as the Chris Larkin ALS Act, aims to expand Medicare supplement benefit plan eligibility for individuals under 65 years old who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The bill requires insurance entities that offer Medicare supplement plans to individuals 65 and older to provide the same coverage to eligible individuals under 65 with ESRD or ALS. These younger individuals will have a six-month enrollment period starting from their first month of Medicare Part B enrollment, during which insurers cannot deny coverage, impose medical underwriting, discriminate based on health status, impose waiting periods, or exclude pre-existing conditions. For standardized Plan A, B, and D, premiums must be the same as those for 65-and-older individuals, while premiums for other plans cannot exceed 200% of the rate for older enrollees. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and provides a special enrollment window from December 1, 2025, to June 1, 2026, for individuals already enrolled in Medicare Part B due to ESRD or ALS to apply for these Medicare supplement benefit plans.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2516