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Bill would allow guaranteed Medigap issue after switch from Medicare Advantage; supporters and insurers clash
Summary
Representative Berg's House Bill 1603 would create guaranteed‑issue rights for Medigap coverage when an enrollee switches from Medicare Advantage to traditional Medicare; supporters said the change would protect consumers whose networks close, while insurers warned it would raise Medigap premiums.
Representative Berg told the House Health Care & Wellness Committee on Feb. 7 she brought House Bill 1603 after hearing stories from constituents who could not secure Medigap coverage when leaving Medicare Advantage plans whose networks no longer covered their doctors.
"Too many seniors are facing unfair penalties when they try to get health care that they need," Berg said, recounting a constituent who signed up for Medicare Advantage at 65 and later lost in‑network access to his doctor. The bill would establish a guaranteed‑issue period for Medigap coverage triggered when a person voluntarily switches from Medicare Advantage to…
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