Bill > HB4869

This bill establishes specific, limited circumstances under which individuals in West Virginia are guaranteed the right to purchase a Medicare Supplement policy, which is a health insurance policy designed to supplement Medicare. One key provision allows individuals enrolled in a Medicare Supplement policy to switch to a new policy with the same or lesser benefits once per year during a 60-day window around their birthday, provided they have maintained continuous coverage for at least 24 months, and without facing medical underwriting or pre-existing condition exclusions. Another provision grants a guaranteed issue right to individuals aged 65 or older who lose their Medicaid eligibility, allowing them to purchase any Medicare Supplement policy offered in the state for 63 days after their Medicaid coverage ends, also without medical underwriting or pre-existing condition exclusions. The bill also mandates that the Insurance Commissioner report annually to the Legislature on Medicare Supplement policy premium trends and authorizes the Commissioner to create rules to administer these provisions without expanding the guaranteed issue rights beyond what is outlined.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4869&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill