Senator Blakespear's Medicare supplement coverage legislation establishes an annual 90-day open enrollment period and removes exclusions that have limited access to Medigap plans in California. Beginning January 1, 2026, insurance providers must accept applications for Medicare supplement coverage during this period without considering an applicant's health status, claims history, or medical conditions.

The bill eliminates the current exclusion of individuals with end-stage renal disease from qualifying for Medigap plans, expanding access to this supplemental coverage. During both the annual enrollment window and the existing six-month period following Medicare Part B enrollment, insurers cannot deny coverage or implement discriminatory pricing based on health factors or age.

Insurance providers must notify Medicare beneficiaries of their enrollment rights 30-60 days before open enrollment begins. The legislation amends both the Health and Safety Code and Insurance Code to create uniform requirements, with violations by health care service plans classified as criminal offenses under state law. These changes apply to all Medicare supplement plans available in California, requiring insurers to accept applications during the guaranteed issue periods while maintaining consistent standards for coverage and pricing.