SB 71: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT POLICIES.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

This Act creates a special open enrollment period for persons who are already enrolled in a Medicare supplement policy or certificate to cancel their existing policy or certificate and purchase another Medicare supplement policy or certificate that provides the same or lesser benefits. Only persons who are already enrolled in a Medicare supplement policy or certificate are eligible for the special open enrollment period. The special enrollment period begins 30 days before an eligible person's birthday and remains open for at least 30 days following the eligible person's birthday. During this special open enrollment period, individuals switching from one Medicare supplement policy to another cannot be denied coverage and coverage and rates cannot be dependent upon the person’s medical history. The Act also obligates issuers to notify eligible persons who are enrolled in their Medicare supplement policies or certificates of the dates of the open enrollment period, at least 30 days before it begins, and of any modification to the benefits provided by the policy under which the person is currently insured. This Act also allows persons enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to cancel their existing policy, enroll in Medicare during the annual Medicare open enrollment period and apply for a Medicare supplement policy. For individuals switching from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare supplement policy, the Act prohibits issuers of Medicare supplement policies from denying applications for such policies but does allow issuers to individually rate and apply a pre-existing condition limitation.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 3, 2025Signed by Governor
2. June 12, 2025Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
3. June 10, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce) in House with 8 On Its Merits
4. May 14, 2025Assigned to Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee in House
5. May 13, 2025Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
6. May 8, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology) in Senate with 5 On Its Merits
7. April 9, 2025Introduced and Assigned to Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee in Senate