# Plain Language Summary: Jack Reynolds Memory Medigap Expansion Act

This bill makes it easier for people with end-stage renal disease (kidney failure) to buy supplemental insurance, commonly called Medigap policies. Currently, Medicare covers basic medical costs, but Medigap fills in gaps by covering things like copayments and deductibles. The problem is that people with kidney failure who qualify for Medicare before age 65 have been locked out of buying these supplemental policies. This bill changes that by allowing them the same access to Medigap coverage that older Americans have.

Specifically, the bill opens the door for younger people with kidney failure to purchase any Medigap policy they want during a special enrollment window from January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022. After that date, insurance companies must offer Medigap policies to these individuals without being able to deny them or charge higher premiums based on their health status. This matters because without Medigap, people with kidney failure face much higher out-of-pocket costs for their medical care, which can be substantial given how expensive dialysis and kidney transplant-related treatment can be.

The bill also extends the time period that allows people with kidney failure to keep their private employer health insurance while on Medicare. Instead of just 12 months, they now get 42 months to coordinate between their private insurance and Medicare benefits. This gives people more flexibility and time to manage their coverage without losing access to private insurance options. The changes take effect starting in 2021 and 2022, depending on which provision you're looking at.

Jack Reynolds Memory Medigap Expansion Act

Axne, Cynthia

Jack Reynolds Memory MediGap Expansion This bill expands guaranteed issue rights with respect to Medigap policies (Medicare supplemental health insurance policies) to all beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease. (Guaranteed issue rights require that a policy be offered to any eligible applicant without regard to health status.)