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Hearing on bill would let under‑65 Georgians with ALS or kidney failure buy Medigap at standard rates; insurers warn of cross‑subsidy
Summary
The Senate Insurance and Labor Committee heard House Bill 323, sponsored by Representative Karen Matheak, to let Georgians under 65 with ALS or end‑stage renal disease buy Medicare supplement coverage at the same rates charged to people 65 and older.
The Senate Insurance and Labor Committee heard House Bill 323, sponsored by Representative Karen Matheak, which would allow Georgians under 65 with end‑stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to purchase Medicare supplement (Medigap) coverage at rates comparable to those available to people age 65 and older.
Representative Karen Matheak told the committee the change is a parity or offering of insurance, not a mandate, and argued it would allow eligible patients to afford Medigap coverage that reduces out‑of‑pocket costs and improves access to care. She said the state first took steps in 2010 to equalize treatment and that this bill would expand access to roughly 3,800 ESRD patients who currently face very high Medigap premiums.
Elizabeth Lively, Eastern Region Advocacy Director for…
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