PROVIDENCE – A new bill introduced by a pair of state lawmakers would extend Medicare supplement policies to all Rhode Islanders eligible for Medicare because of disabilities.
Currently, federal law allows access to Medigap, a supplementary private health insurance, for people aged 65 and older. Medigap helps cover deductibles and copays, expenses that can add up for those enrolled in Medicare Part B, which covers 80% of health care costs with no cap on out-of-pocket expenses.
Legislation proposed by Rep. Brian Kennedy, D-Hopkinton, and Senate Minority Leader Dennis L. Algiere, R-Charlestown, would allow all Medicare-eligible Rhode Island residents, regardless of age, access to Medigap.
Kennedy and Algiere say their bills (2022-H 7244 and 2022-S 2194, respectively) are particularly focused on people with end-stage renal disease. No matter their age, patients with the disease automatically qualify for Medicare.
“Nearly 50% of dialysis patients in Rhode Island are under 65, and without a Medicare supplement plan, many patients are ineligible for a transplant because they are considered ‘underinsured.’ Since a kidney transplant is the best treatment for those with end-stage renal disease, this legislation could be a lifesaver,” Kennedy said.
About 1,700 Rhode Islanders depend on multiple weekly dialysis visits or need a kidney transplant, according to the legislation, which has been referred to the Health and Human Services Committee in each chamber.
“Too many Rhode Islanders have been overwhelmed by the cost of dialysis – a burden they are forced to shoulder during a very difficult time,” Algiere said. “Dialysis patients comprise an extremely vulnerable population, with 85% of patients relying on Medicare to fund their treatments. This is a bill that will not only improve the physical health of many Rhode Islanders but their financial health as well.”
Elizabeth Graham is a PBN contributing writer.
