All Roll Calls
Yes: 105 • No: 1
Rhode IslandH54942025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES .
Sponsored By: Kathleen A. Fogarty (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
More Medicare supplement access with disabilities
Rhode Island residents under 65 enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Medicare supplement Plan A because of disability get guaranteed Plan A access. Insurers must offer every supplement Plan A policy they sell in the state, without health-based screening or denial. People with supplement Plan A because of disability or end-stage kidney disease also get broader choices at 65. Their six-month enrollment window starts on the first day of the month they turn 65. They must remain enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and can choose any supplement policy the insurer offers.
Yearly birthday access to Medicare supplements
Eligible Rhode Island Medicare recipients get a yearly enrollment window lasting at least 30 days, starting on their birthday. Eligibility requires Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage coverage with no gap over 90 days since their supplement open-enrollment period. During this window, they can choose any Medicare supplement policy the insurer offers in Rhode Island. Insurers cannot base coverage on health status or care received, or use individual medical screening.
New pricing rules for Medicare supplements
Medicare supplement policies issued in Rhode Island on or after January 1, 2026, must use community rating. Insurers cannot base those premiums on gender, current age, or age when the policy started. Community rating spreads costs across a group, protecting against age-based increases but potentially raising premiums for younger buyers. People enrolled before January 1, 2026, in age- or gender-rated policies can keep them or switch policies beginning that date.
Medicare supplement insurers pay review costs
When Rhode Island's insurance commissioner opens public comment on a Medicare supplement rate filing, the insurer pays reasonable review costs. These include actuaries and other experts. If the commissioner finds a public hearing necessary, the insurer also pays reasonable hearing costs. Those costs can include advertising, legal help, experts, and a written hearing record. The law sets no dollar amount.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kathleen A. Fogarty
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
David A. Bennett
Democratic • House
Lauren H. Carson
Democratic • House
Matthew S. Dawson
Democratic • House
Susan R. Donovan
Democratic • House
Arthur Handy
Democratic • House
Raymond A. Hull
Democratic • House
Katherine S. Kazarian
Democratic • House
Thomas E. Noret
Democratic • House
Tina L. Spears
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/20/2025
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INS POLICIES PASSAGE
Yes: 70 • No: 1
Senate vote • 6/20/2025
RELATING TO INSURANCE --MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES In Concurrence Passage
Yes: 35 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor — Chapter 434
7/2/2025GovernorTransmitted to Governor
6/27/2025GovernorSenate passed Sub A in concurrence
6/20/2025SenatePlaced on Senate Calendar (06/20/2025)
6/20/2025SenateHouse passed Sub A
6/20/2025HousePlaced on House Calendar (06/20/2025)
6/18/2025HouseCommittee recommends passage of Sub A
6/18/2025Proposed Substitute
6/17/2025Scheduled for consideration (06/18/2025)
6/16/2025Committee recommended measure be held for further study
4/10/2025Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/10/2025)
4/4/2025Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
2/13/2025House
Bill Text
H5494 - As Introduced
2/13/2025
H5494 - Substitute
2/13/2025
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