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HB 1754

Requiring medicare supplemental insurance to be offered on a guaranteed issue basis during an open enrollment period.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Parshley and 2 co-sponsors

Washington bill requiring Medicare supplemental insurers to guarantee coverage without medical underwriting or premium penalties during open enrollment periods for senior consumers.

Public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 8:00 AM.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1754

Legislative bill overview

HB 1754 mandates that Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) plans be offered on a guaranteed issue basis during open enrollment periods in Washington State. This means insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions during these designated windows. The bill essentially strengthens consumer protections for seniors seeking supplemental coverage.

Why is this important

Medicare supplemental insurance helps cover costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay, making it critical for managing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for seniors. Currently, guaranteed issue rights are limited to specific life events; this bill would expand protections during broader open enrollment periods, reducing the risk that seniors face medical underwriting denials or prohibitive pricing when seeking coverage. For Washington seniors with health conditions, this could mean significantly better access to affordable supplemental insurance.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry costs: Guaranteed issue requirements prevent risk-based pricing, which may increase premiums for all Medigap policyholders to offset higher-risk enrollees during open enrollment
  • Scope and timing: Debate over how broadly "open enrollment periods" are defined and whether multiple annual windows burden insurers versus how often seniors realistically need this protection
  • Existing federal protections: Washington may already have some guaranteed issue rights under federal law in specific circumstances; questions about whether this bill duplicates, supplements, or conflicts with current regulations

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

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