Medicare supplement coverage: open enrollment periods.

Senator Blakespear's Medicare supplement coverage legislation establishes an annual 90-day open enrollment period and prohibits insurers from denying coverage or discriminating in pricing based on health status or medical conditions. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill requires Medicare supplement insurers to accept applications from any Medicare Part B enrollee during the annual enrollment window, which runs from January 1 through March 31.

The measure creates a structured premium rating system with fixed age bands: under 65, 65-69, 70-79, and 80 and over. Premiums for the under-65 band cannot exceed twice the 65-69 rate, while the 70-79 and 80+ bands are capped at 1.25 and 1.5 times the 65-69 rate respectively. Once coverage is in effect, premiums cannot increase based on age. The bill also removes the current exclusion that prevents individuals with end-stage renal disease from accessing Medicare supplement plans.

These changes apply to both health care service plans regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care and insurance policies overseen by the Department of Insurance. The legislation maintains existing protections around the initial Medicare Part B enrollment period while adding the new annual enrollment opportunity. Insurers must notify enrollees of their rights under these provisions at least 30 days before enrollment periods begin.