In a major victory for under-age 65 dialysis patients in Indiana, Governor Eric Holcomb signed SB 215 in a formal bill signing ceremony on August 15, 2024. Attending this ceremonial bill signing was DPC Patient Ambassador Arthur Hill and DPC Eastern Region Advocacy Director Elizabeth Lively. Arthur’s impactful story of his dialysis journey elevated the voices of dialysis patients in Indiana, bringing the struggles of dealing with kidney failure to the forefront and influencing the hearts and minds of legislators to support SB 215.
SB 215 becomes effective on December 31, 2024. This legislation provides access for under-age 65 dialysis patients to affordable Medigap insurance plans A, B and D at the same premium rate as those who are age 65. The remaining Medigap lettered plans (C, F, G, K, L, M and N) are available at 200% of the age 65 premium.
The legislation impacts not only individuals who have just initiated dialysis and enrolled in Medicare Part B, but also includes a one-time, 6-month open enrollment window for dialysis patients who are already enrolled in Medicare Part B. This one-time open enrollment window begins on December 31, 2024, and ends June 30, 2025. Applications for coverage submitted after June 30, 2025, will be subject to medical rating and the premiums will be more expensive.
Be sure and talk to your dialysis center social worker or financial counselor today to find out more about this new opportunity to purchase affordable secondary insurance coverage.
