Medicare coverage should be accessible and beneficial for all consumers – especially to the elderly population who mainly rely on their services for health care. Prime sponsor, Senator Ray Seigfried introduced this legislation known as the “birthday rule” – which establishes a guaranteed window around an individual’s birthday when they can switch from one Medicare supplement plan to another without being denied coverage, regardless of medical history. It also requires insurers to notify policyholders in advance about their enrollment period and any modifications to their benefits.
Senator Seigfried worked closely with colleagues in both chambers to ensure this bill gives Delawareans the choice to transition from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Medicare and then into a supplemental policy, with important consumer protections in place.
With this legislation in place, Delaware now becomes the 11th state to introduce these special enrollment periods, reaffirming our state’s stance on senior protections and access to affordable healthcare.