Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0275

Introduced
2/19/25  

Caption

An act relating to enrollment in Medicare supplement insurance policies

Impact

If enacted, H0275 would significantly amend Vermont state laws concerning Medicare supplement insurance policies. It would ensure that insurance providers are mandated to accept applications during specified open enrollment periods without the risk of additional fees for late enrollment. This would encourage greater participation in Medicare supplement plans, ideally leading to improved healthcare outcomes for seniors by ensuring they are not penalized for enrollment delays due to various circumstances.

Summary

House Bill H0275 aims to enhance accessibility to Medicare supplement insurance by creating annual open enrollment periods and prohibiting health insurers from imposing additional costs or penalties on individuals who do not enroll within six months of their 65th birthday. This initiative seeks to address challenges faced by older adults in obtaining necessary healthcare coverage, particularly as they transition into Medicare eligibility.

Contention

Despite its supportive intentions, H0275 may face contention regarding its implementation and potential impact on health insurance companies. Critics may express concerns about the financial implications for insurers required to accept late enrollees without additional costs, fearing it could result in increased premiums or a reduction in policy options for consumers. There is also the potential for debate over how effectively the bill ensures adequate coverage for preexisting conditions without significant cost to the insurance providers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VT S0230

An act relating to Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplemental insurance plans

VT H0366

An act relating to eligibility for Medicare supplement plans for individuals who have end-stage renal disease

VT H0450

An act relating to supplemental income, health insurance, and retirement benefits for members of the General Assembly

VT H0369

An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for fertility-related services

VT S0095

An act relating to banking and insurance

VT S0063

An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for fertility-related services

VT S0074

An act relating to incremental implementation of Green Mountain Care

VT H0066

An act relating to paid family and medical leave insurance

VT H0156

An act relating to incremental implementation of Green Mountain Care

VT S0062

An act relating to paid family and medical leave insurance

Similar Bills

PA SB565

In membership, contributions and benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2025 and for supplemental annuity commencing 2026; and, in benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2025 and for supplemental annuity commencing 2026.

PA SB1029

In membership, contributions and benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2023 and for supplemental annuity commencing 2024; and, in benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2023 and for supplemental annuity commencing 2024.

CA AB605

CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Supplemental Benefits Expansion Program.

PA HB1844

In membership, contributions and benefits, providing for supplemental annuities commencing 2024; and, in benefits, providing for supplemental annuities commencing 2024.

CA AB2153

California Fruit and Vegetable Supplemental Benefits Expansion Program.

CA SB242

Medicare supplement coverage: open enrollment periods.

CA SB1236

Medicare supplement coverage: open enrollment periods.

IA SF375

A bill for an act establishing a low-income enrollment categorical funding supplement for school districts and including applicability provisions.