Guaranteed Issue of Medicare Supplement Coverage When Medicare Advantage Plan is Discontinued in Service Area

STATE OF MAINE DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL & FINANCIAL REGULATION BUREAU OF INSURANCE Office Location: 76 Northern Avenue, Gardiner, Maine 04345 Mailing Address: 34 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333 www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance Phone: (207) 624-8475 TTY: Please Call Maine Relay 711 Consumer Assistance: (800) 300-5000 Fax: (207) 624-8599 Janet T. Mills Governor Joan F. Cohen Acting Commissioner Robert L. Carey Superintendent Bulletin 481 Guaranteed Issue of Medicare Supplement Coverage When Medicare Advantage Plan is Discontinued in Service Area Some Maine consumers whose Medicare Advantage plans have been discontinued have informed the Bureau of Insurance that they have been denied enrollment in the Medicare Supplement plans of their choice. The purpose of this bulletin is to remind insurers that pursuant to Rule Chapter 275, a consumer is eligible for guaranteed issue of any Medicare Supplement plan currently sold in Maine if the consumer is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan that ceases to provide benefits in the consumer’s service area.1 This is true regardless of how long the consumer was enrolled in the Medicare Advantage plan before its termination. Consumers have 90 days from the date of Medicare Advantage plan termination to enroll in the Medicare Supplement plan of their choice.2 The policy must be issued without underwriting or the imposition of any pre-existing condition exclusion.3 December 11, 2024 Robert L. Carey Superintendent of Insurance NOTE: This Bulletin is intended solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to set forth legal rights, duties, or privileges, nor is it intended to provide legal advice. Readers should consult applicable statutes and rules and contact the Bureau of Insurance if additional information is needed. 1 02-031 CMR ch. 275 §§ 12(A)(2), (B)(2)(a), (C). 2 02-031 CMR ch. 275, § 12(A)(1). 3 02-031 CMR ch. 275, § 12(A)(2).