House approves bill letting Medicare supplement enrollees switch plans within a carrier without medical underwriting

Representative Fitzsimani introduced HB 258, Medicare Supplement Insurance Amendments, saying the bill addresses problems seniors face when changing Medicare supplemental plans. Under current practice, changes to supplemental coverage often trigger medical underwriting and can lead to denials for preexisting conditions; the bill would allow enrollees to change to an equal or lower tier within the same carrier without underwriting.

Fitzsimani said the change is aimed at seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes, and would give them “more flexibility so they can make choices that are appropriate to their own financial situations.” No floor debate followed the presentation; summation was waived. Voting was opened and the first substitute to HB 258 passed the House 73 yes, 0 no and will be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The bill as presented limits the authorization to changes within the same carrier to equal or lesser tiers; the transcript recorded no floor amendments.