Close the Medigap Act of 2021

Bill 117 HR 4640, also known as the Close the Medigap Act of 2021, aims to address concerns regarding the use of Medigap plans in the Medicare program. The bill seeks to limit the coverage provided by certain Medigap plans, specifically Plans C and F, which currently cover the Medicare Part B deductible.

Under the Close the Medigap Act of 2021, individuals who become eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2022, would no longer be able to purchase Medigap Plans C and F. This is in an effort to reduce overutilization of healthcare services by beneficiaries who have no out-of-pocket costs due to these plans covering the Part B deductible.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure that individuals who are already enrolled in Plans C and F are not negatively impacted by the changes. These individuals would be able to keep their current coverage, but would not be able to switch to a different Medigap plan that covers the Part B deductible. Overall, the Close the Medigap Act of 2021 aims to promote cost-sharing among Medicare beneficiaries and reduce unnecessary healthcare spending. It is important to note that this bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process and may undergo changes before potentially becoming law.