Dant Chesser bill to create options for Medicare Supplement Insurance heads to the Senate

Today, Feb. 17, House Bill 1226 passed a vote on the House floor and heads to the Senate for consideration.  Authored by State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville), this bill provides cost-saving opportunities to seniors by allowing them to take advantage of “The Birthday Rule.” This allows those enrolled in Medigap coverage the chance to shop for Medical Supplement Plans without underwriting within 60 days of their birthday, as long as they maintain the same type of plan. 

Dant Chesser gave the following statement:

“I’m excited that this bill passed the House and is headed to the Senate. I authored this legislation after hearing from a constituent who needed to find affordable insurance. Jeffersonville is on the state border, and ‘The Birthday Rule’ exists in Kentucky but not our state. Thanks to those who brought this forward to close Indiana’s gap in our Medicare coverage. 

“Our health care system is extremely difficult to navigate. Insurance is confusing, and it gets even more convoluted when states have differing protections. HB 1226 will streamline the process of Medicare Supplement insurance and cut costs for our seniors. In other states where ‘The Birthday Rule’ exists, seniors have saved close to $800, which makes a difference to those on a fixed income. They’re able to shop around for a program that works best for them, and this bill protects them from discriminatory prices due to medical history or health status. 

“I promised myself I would do something to provide our seniors with some relief. For those dependent on Medicare coverage, HB 1226 can streamline Medicare Supplement insurance and make it a little bit more cost-effective. I look forward to the consideration of my bill in the Senate.”