On June 30,2022, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed into law H. 7244 and S. 2194, which provide guaranteed issue access to Medicare Supplement Insurance coverage – known as Medigap – for under age 65 residents with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and qualified disabled.
The legislation becomes effective July 1, 2023. The new law also provides premium protections through the premium rate review process of the Office of the State Health Insurance Commissioner. While DPC is disappointed that this legislation limits access only to Medicare Supplement Plan A, we recognize this is a major step by Rhode Island that qualified under age 65 residents have access to this critically important insurance coverage. We are grateful to Primary Sponsors Rep. Kennedy and Sen. Algiere and Co-Sponsors Representatives Azinaro, Potter, Edwards, Bennet, Ackerman, Morales, Diaz, Casimiro, and Messier for their dedicated work spanning two sessions to receive approval by the Rhode Island General Assembly. Over the two years working this legislation, DPC Patient Ambassador Theodore Chaplin added his voice and share his story, greatly assisting DPC’s advocacy efforts.
Moving forward, DPC will be engaging with the Office of the State Health Insurance Commissioner on the rate review process and building support in the General Assembly for additional plans to be added in the future.
