Georgia House Bill HB1098

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24

Caption

Bridging the Gap for ALS and Chronic Kidney Disease Act of 2024; enact

Impact

One of the key provisions of HB1098 is the introduction of open enrollment periods for individuals under 65, which allows these individuals to secure insurance without facing restrictions often associated with pre-existing conditions. Further, it mandates that insurers cannot charge premiums for these policies that exceed those charged to individuals aged 65 and older, thereby promoting equitable access to medicare supplement policies. These modifications are likely to lead to improved healthcare outcomes for disabled individuals who have historically encountered barriers related to pre-existing conditions and cost disparities in insurance premiums.

Summary

House Bill 1098, known as the 'Bridging the Gap for ALS and Chronic Kidney Disease Act of 2024,' aims to amend regulations concerning medicare supplement insurance in Georgia. The bill specifically allows for medicare supplement policies to be issued to individuals under 65 years of age who are eligible for medicare due to disability or conditions such as end-stage renal disease. This change intends to enhance access to necessary health insurance protections for younger individuals facing significant health challenges, reflecting a growing recognition of the coverage disparities they face compared to older beneficiaries.

Contention

While the bill addresses significant gaps in medicare supplement coverage for younger individuals, it could spark contention among insurance providers concerned about the financial implications of mandated premium structures and open enrollment. Insurers may argue that the requirement to provide equitable premium rates to younger beneficiaries could lead to increased costs for the coverage offered to older individuals. Additionally, the balance between facilitating access for those under 65 and ensuring that the broader insurance market remains viable will be a point of discussion among legislators, health advocates, and insurance professionals.