The California Department of Insurance (CDI) just mailed a notice on the upcoming Medigap changes to the thousands of licensed insurance agents throughout the state. Produced with CHA’s input, this notice provides a helpful Q&A about the changes occurring as of June 1, 2010.
The federal Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 required states to adopt certain changes to Medigap policies, and these changes were adopted in California law on July 2, 2009 with the signing of Assembly Bill 1543 (Chapter 10, Statutes of 2009).
Anyone enrolled in Medicare can purchase a Medigap policy, also referred to as Medicare supplement insurance. These plans are designed to cover some of the out-of-pocket expenses people have when they use their Medicare benefits.
Under the new state law, all of the Medigap plans (plans lettered A-L) have been revised; some of the lettered plans were changed, some were dropped and some new ones were added. As mentioned, these new Medigap plans will not take effect until June 1, 2010—but agents may advertise and market the new plans prior to that date.
For more information about the changes, see:
- FAQs on the New Standardized Medigap Policies Available June 2010
- Summary of Medigap Changes: A.B. 1543 (Jones)
- Snapshot of Changes to Medigap Policies
You can also see a copy of the CDI’s notice (PDF) to insurers, agents, brokers and other interested parties.
