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Close the Medigap Act of 2021
12/31/2022, 5:05 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4640
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.
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.
Congressional Summary of HR 4640
Close the Medigap Act of 2021
This bill (1) expands guaranteed issue rights with respect to Medigap policies (Medicare supplemental health insurance policies), (2) eliminates certain limitations on Medigap policies for newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and (3) modifies other provisions related to Medigap policies. (Guaranteed issue rights require that a policy be offered to any eligible applicant without regard to health status.)
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 4640
Bill HR 4640 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 22, 2021. Bill HR 4640 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 22, 2021. Bill HR 4640's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of July 23, 2021
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4640
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
98Democrat Cosponsors
98Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4640
Primary Policy Focus
HealthAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4640
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for certain reforms with respect to medicare supplemental health insurance policies.
Close the Medigap Act of 2021
Close the Medigap Act of 2021
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 4640
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