Lake County Times

State Representatives Jamie Callender and Bride Rose Sweeney have reintroduced legislation aimed at expanding Medigap insurance coverage for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Ohio. Known as HB 24, the bill seeks to extend access to Medigap plans to all eligible Medicare Part B recipients diagnosed with these conditions, regardless of age.

Medigap Coverage is a private health insurance option that helps cover out-of-pocket expenses not included under Medicare Parts A or B. The proposed expansion would alleviate financial burdens on families dealing with ALS or ESRD by preventing them from incurring significant medical debts or depleting assets to qualify for Medicaid.

Alex Meixner, Vice President of State Policy for The ALS Association, emphasized the importance of the bill: “Ohioans diagnosed with ALS under the age of 65 shouldn’t be penalized for being too young.” He added that passing HB 24 would rectify this age-related issue and offer equitable access to affordable Medigap coverage.

Elizabeth Lively from Dialysis Patient Citizens highlighted the impact on those with ESRD: “For Ohioans struck down with a diagnosis of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in the prime of their lives, this legislation will open the door to qualify for life-saving kidney transplantation.”

Currently, many dialysis patients under 65 are covered by Ohio's Medicaid program due to dual eligibility. HB 24 mandates that insurers offering Medigap policies to individuals over 65 must also provide similar coverage to qualifying younger individuals without imposing higher rates.

Seventeen states have already adopted expanded Medigap access, including Pennsylvania and Indiana. In its previous iteration as HB 400 during the 135th General Assembly, the bill was reviewed three times by the House Insurance Committee.

Representative Callender stated, “With the reintroduction of this legislation, we are continuing our commitment to reduce potentially crippling medical debts on those diagnosed with ALS or ESRD and their families.”

Rep. Sweeney echoed this sentiment: “No one should have to bankrupt their family to pay for basic medical care after receiving a terminal diagnosis.”

HB 24 is currently awaiting further testimony in the House Insurance Committee.