Bill > SB71

This bill amends Delaware's insurance code to create a special annual open enrollment period for Medicare supplement policy holders. Specifically, the bill allows individuals currently enrolled in a Medicare supplement policy to cancel their existing policy and purchase a new policy with the same or lesser benefits during a 60-day window surrounding their birthday. During this period, insurance companies cannot deny coverage or adjust pricing based on an individual's health status, medical condition, or claims history, and cannot impose preexisting condition exclusions. The bill also introduces a definition for "Medicare Advantage plan" and provides similar enrollment protections for individuals switching between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement policies. Insurance issuers must notify eligible individuals about the open enrollment period at least 30 days before it begins, including information about any changes to benefits or premium adjustments. These new enrollment periods are designed to be additional to, and independent of, any existing federal or state open enrollment periods. The bill will take effect on January 1 following its enactment, providing more flexibility and consumer protections for Medicare supplement policy holders in Delaware.

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https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141935