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Bill

HB 4869

Establish narrow, clearly bounded guaranteed-issue rights for Medicare Supplement policies in West Virginia.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ellington and 9 co-sponsors

West Virginia would require insurers to offer certain Medicare Supplement policies without medical screening under specific, limited circumstances, improving access for some seniors with health conditions.

Chapter 185, Acts, Regular Session, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 4869

Legislative bill overview

HB 4869 would establish limited guaranteed-issue protections for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance policies in West Virginia. These protections would create specific circumstances under which insurers must offer coverage to Medicare beneficiaries without medical underwriting or waiting periods, narrowly defined rather than broadly applied.

Why is this important

Medicare beneficiaries in West Virginia sometimes struggle to obtain affordable supplemental coverage, particularly those with pre-existing conditions. Guaranteed-issue rights reduce insurance company discretion to deny coverage based on health status, potentially making comprehensive healthcare more accessible to seniors. However, the scope of these protections directly affects how many people benefit and what insurers' costs will be.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of guaranteed-issue triggers: Disagreement likely exists over which life events (loss of employer coverage, spouse death, moving states, etc.) should trigger guaranteed-issue rights—broader protections help more people but increase insurer costs
  • Rate implications: Insurers may argue guaranteed-issue requirements will increase premiums for all policyholders; consumer advocates may counter that protections are necessary despite modest premium impacts
  • "Narrow and clearly bounded" definition: The vague language in the bill title means the actual triggers and protections remain undefined, making it difficult to assess the true scope without seeing final language

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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