Representative Milin Tai introduced House Bill 1754 on Feb. 7, proposing two annual guaranteed‑issue periods during which a person could enroll in Medigap without medical underwriting: during the Medicare open‑enrollment period in the fall and during Medicare Advantage’s first‑quarter enrollment window.

Tai said the bill is intended to help seniors and other vulnerable beneficiaries on fixed incomes who may face barriers if they seek to move between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare. "Some of these barriers and restrictions makes it really difficult for them when it comes to decisions related to their own care," Tai said.

Supporters included the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Retired Public Employees Council of Washington, AARP Washington and other advocacy organizations. Adam Zarin of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society told the committee guaranteed issuance could protect patients with serious illnesses from catastrophic out‑of‑pocket costs under Original Medicare’s 20 percent Part B coinsurance.

Insurer representatives again opposed the measure. Chris Bandley for AHIP cited analyses — including a California Health Benefits Review Program evaluation and actuarial work — projecting premium increases and possible reductions in Medigap enrollment if guaranteed issue windows were expanded broadly. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a prior study estimated an average one‑time premium increase of about 16 percent for some guaranteed‑issue designs and cautioned that this bill presents a trade‑off between access and affordability.

No vote was taken on HB 1754 during the Feb. 7 hearing. Committee members sought more information from OIC and asked about the potential premium and enrollment effects; advocates urged lawmakers to prioritize consumer choice and protection.