"Bridging the Gap for ALS and Chronic Kidney Disease Act of 2024"; enact
Impact
The implementation of SB409 would positively impact many disabled individuals and those with chronic health conditions across Georgia by ensuring they have guaranteed access to Medicare supplement insurance. Additionally, by limiting the premiums insurers can charge for these policies, the bill aims to make healthcare costs more equitable. By aligning the premiums of younger insured individuals with those of the older demographic, it intends to enhance affordability, promoting better healthcare access for these vulnerable populations.
Summary
SB409, titled the 'Bridging the Gap for ALS and Chronic Kidney Disease Act of 2024', aims to expand access to Medicare supplement insurance for individuals under the age of 65 who are eligible due to disability or chronic health conditions such as end-stage renal disease. The bill provides provisions for such individuals to be eligible for insurance policies that were previously not accessible to them. The fundamental changes introduced by this bill include establishing designated open enrollment periods and prohibiting insurers from charging higher premiums than those applied to individuals aged 65 and older with similar coverage needs.
Contention
Despite its advantages, there are notable points of contention regarding SB409. Critics argue that the potential costs of expanding insurance access to younger individuals could result in higher premiums for the older population or financial strain on the Medicare system overall. There are concerns regarding the balance of premium rates that need to be maintained to ensure that the new regulations do not unfairly discriminate against older adults, making this an ongoing topic of discussion among lawmakers and stakeholders in the health insurance industry.
Private Review Agents; health insurers to implement and maintain a program that allows for the selective application of reductions in prior authorization requirements; provide
State Employees' Health Insurance Plan; Board of Community Health from entering into, executing, or renewing a contract with any pharmacy benefits manager that owns or has an ownership interest in any retail pharmacy; prohibit
Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness Month in Georgia; March 2023; raise awareness of the need for research, screening programs, and access to care for individuals who suffer from chronic kidney disease; recognize
Relating to the prohibited retail sale and provision to minors of certain over-the-counter weight loss drugs and dietary supplements; providing a civil penalty.
Relating to the prohibited retail sale and provision to minors of certain over-the-counter weight loss drugs and dietary supplements; providing a civil penalty.
An Act To Amend Title 18, Title 29, And Title 31 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Insurance Coverage Of Allergen Introduction Dietary Supplements For Infants.