By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1790
 
 
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the eligibility of certain individuals to purchase
  Medicare supplement benefit plans.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 1652, Insurance Code, is
  amended by adding Section 1652.059 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1652.059.  COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS YOUNGER
  THAN 65.  (a)  In this section, "entity" means an entity that
  delivers or issues for delivery a Medicare supplement benefit plan
  in this state. 
         (b)  An entity that offers coverage under a Medicare
  supplement benefit plan to individuals 65 years of age or older
  must offer the same coverage to individuals younger than 65 years
  of age who are eligible for and enrolled in Medicare by reason of
  disability, end stage renal disease. 
         (c)  Except as otherwise provided by rules adopted under
  Section 1652.051, any benefit, protection, policy, or procedure
  applicable to coverage under a plan for an individual 65 years of
  age or older must apply to coverage offered under Subsection (b). 
         (d)  An entity shall offer a plan under Subsection (b) at the
  same premium rate charged for that plan to an individual 65 years
  of age or older. 
         SECTION 2.  The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
  a Medicare supplement benefit plan delivered, issued for delivery,
  or renewed on or after January 1, 2024.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.