SCHNEIDER, VEASEY BILL SUPPORTS SENIORS WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

WASHINGTON – Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) introduced the Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries with Pre-Existing Conditions Act which would prohibit Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) insurers from denying or underwriting coverage to an individual based on a pre-existing medical condition.

Most seniors enrolled in Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B) also enroll in a Medigap policy to help pay for coinsurance and other out-of-pocket expenses. When individuals 65 years and older first enroll in Medicare Part B, they enjoy a six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period in which they may choose any Medigap policy without fear of being denied or having their coverage underwritten. However, this protection is not afforded at the federal level for individuals under the age of 65 who enroll in Medicare Part B, or for individuals of any age enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan wishing to switch to Traditional Medicare.

The Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries with Pre-Existing Conditions Act builds upon important protections passed in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which prohibited most insurance plans from denying or underwriting coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions by establishing federally guaranteed issue of a Medigap policy for Medicare-qualifying individuals under the age of 65 and those switching from Medicare Advantage to Traditional Medicare.

Individuals under the age of 65 who qualify for Medicare Part B include those diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as well as individuals who have qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 consecutive months. These individuals, who typically expect high out-of-pocket cost burdens associated with their care needs, would experience significant relief from this legislation.

“Having a pre-existing condition should never mean someone has to succumb to sky-high health care costs, “said Rep. Schneider. “One of the most popular parts of the Affordable Care Act is the provision prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage based on a person’s health status. Medicare beneficiaries rely on supplemental insurance to help pay for their out-of-pocket expenses, yet too many are denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition. I am proud to champion this legislation to ensure that all individuals have the health care coverage they deserve.”

“Every American, regardless of health status and age, should have the peace of mind that comes from knowing they can access affordable, comprehensive health care,” said Rep. Veasey. “The Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries with Pre-Existing Conditions Act builds on key Affordable Care Act protections to make it easier for people—especially those with disabilities or severe chronic conditions—to choose the coverage that works best for their health needs. I am excited to lead this effort to expand coverage options for those who need it most." 

The Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries with Pre-Existing Conditions Act is supported by the Medicare Rights Center.

Full bill text is available here.