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Bill

A 7157

Requires insurers offering renewal of Medicare supplemental insurance policies to notify holders of the availability of similar policies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vivian Cook and 2 co-sponsors

Requires Medigap insurers to notify renewing policyholders about similar policies from other insurers, boosting transparency and enabling informed comparisons and switching.

REFERRED TO INSURANCE
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 7157

Summary: Assembly Bill A7157

Overview

Bill A7157 would require insurers that renew Medicare supplemental insurance policies (Medigap) to notify policyholders about the availability of similar policies. The measure aims to increase consumer awareness and market choices for individuals with Medicare supplemental coverage.

Purpose and Intent

  • Promote informed decision-making by Medicare recipients renewing Medigap coverage.
  • Ensure policyholders are aware that comparable coverage options may exist with other insurers.

Key Provisions (as described)

  • Applies to insurers that offer renewal of Medicare supplemental insurance policies (Medigap).
  • At or around renewal, these insurers must notify the policyholder about the availability of similar Medigap policies from other insurers.
  • The bill delineates the obligation as a notification requirement; detailed content, format, and timing would be specified in the full text of the bill.

Note: The provided information does not include the full statutory language, so specifics such as exact content requirements, delivery method, or timing windows are not listed here.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals holding Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies.
  • Private insurance companies and intermediaries that issue or renew Medigap policies.
  • State regulators overseeing insurance market practices (implicit, as they would oversee compliance).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 21, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Insurance.
  • Legislative actions show two identical entries on 2025-03-21, both noting “REFERRED TO INSURANCE.”
  • Related bills from prior sessions (A8578, A4399, A5445) suggest prior or ongoing interest in consumer notification and Medigap market transparency.

Sponsors

  • Primary: Assemblymember Vivian Cook
  • Cosponsors: Assemblymember Karines Reyes, Assemblymember David Weprin

Related Legislation

  • A8578 (prior-session)
  • A4399 (prior-session)
  • A5445 (prior-session)

These related bills indicate a continuing interest in enhancing consumer information and protections related to Medicare supplemental coverage.

Potential Impact

  • Benefits:

    • Improves transparency for medigap shoppers.
    • Could encourage informed comparisons and switching to potentially better or more affordable policies.
    • Supports consumer protection by ensuring policyholders know about alternatives at renewal.

  • Considerations/Questions for Stakeholders:

    • What specific content and delivery method will be required for the notification?
    • Will there be any exemptions or carve-outs (e.g., small plans, certain renewals)?
    • What penalties or enforcement mechanisms would apply for noncompliance?
    • How will insurers manage the administrative burden and ensure timely notifications?

Next Steps

  • If advanced, the bill would proceed to committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Assembly, and then movement through the Senate as applicable.

This summary presents the bill’s core objective and likely effects based on the available information. For precise requirements and language, the bill’s text and subsequent amendments should be consulted.

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

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