Senator Lang advocates for expanded Medigap coverage for Nevada's under-65 kidney patients

The Nevada Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss critical healthcare legislation, notably Senate Bill 292, aimed at expanding access to Medicare supplemental insurance for individuals under 65 with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Senator Roberta Lang, who introduced the bill, highlighted the urgent need for this legislation, emphasizing that many younger Medicare beneficiaries face significant financial burdens due to the lack of Medigap policies available to them.

Currently, federal law does not require insurers to offer Medigap policies to those under 65, leaving many vulnerable to high out-of-pocket costs. Senator Lang shared her personal experience as a kidney patient, underscoring the life-or-death implications of having adequate insurance coverage for necessary medical procedures, such as kidney transplants. "For them, it's life and or death," she stated, advocating for the bill's passage to help the approximately 1,500 ESRD patients in Nevada who would benefit from this coverage.

The bill proposes that insurers must offer Medigap policies to individuals under 65 at the same premium rates as those for seniors, ensuring equitable access to necessary healthcare. Supporters of the bill, including patient advocates and healthcare professionals, echoed the sentiment that this legislation could significantly improve the quality of life for younger patients, allowing them to afford essential treatments and potentially saving the state money by reducing reliance on Medicaid.

However, the bill faced opposition from representatives of America's Health Insurance Plans, who raised concerns about the financial implications for the Medigap risk pool. They argued that including younger ESRD patients could lead to increased premiums for seniors, many of whom are already on tight budgets.

As the committee deliberates, the future of Senate Bill 292 remains uncertain, but its potential impact on the lives of vulnerable Nevadans is clear. The committee's decision will be pivotal in determining whether these patients gain access to the coverage they desperately need.