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Media Conference: Wed. March 4, 2020, 9 AM, Rm 149, Capitol Annex, Frankfort; Support HB 445 to end Medigap discrimination for pre-existing conditions
March 4, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Media Release
End Medigap discrimination for pre-existing conditions; Support HB 445
Contact: Kay Tillow (502) 636-1551, nursenpo@aol.com, Dr. Garrett Adams, (502) 895-8847
Media Conference to Support HB 445 to end Medigap discrimination for pre-existing conditions will take place on:
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
at 9:00 am in Room 149 of the Capitol Annex in Frankfort.
State Representative Tom Burch has introduced HB 445 which would end the ability of Medigap plans to charge higher rates or deny coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions. The legislation is needed because seniors in Kentucky who purchase Medicare Advantage but later seek to return to traditional Medicare and purchase a Medigap plan are no longer protected from underwriting.
Such persons with pre-existing conditions can be charged sky high prices, or denied entirely, a supplementary Medigap plan. The problem is discussed in this article in Medpage Today:
https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/83661
There are only four states where there is some protection against discrimination for pre-existing conditions under these circumstances. This article from Kaiser Family Foundation explains:
Republicans, Democrats and independents are all opposed to charging outrageous rates or refusing to sell policies to people because they are, or have been, sick. The practice is clearly inhumane.
Speaking on behalf of Kentuckians for Single Payer Health Care, Dr. Garrett Adams stated that Rep. Tom Burch’s bill to end discrimination by Medigap plans on the basis of pre-existing conditions has strong public backing. He urged everyone to contact their state representatives and senators to encourage support for the bill. He added that the longer term solution must be the enactment of a national, improved Medicare for All plan that will finally cover everyone through a not-for-profit single payer system. “Such a plan will end the waste caused by profits, free everyone to choose their own doctors, end discrimination for pre-existing conditions and remove all financial barriers to care,” Dr. Adams said.
Garrett Adams, MD, MPH
Founder of Physicians for A National Health Program—Kentucky
502 895-8847
www.kyhealthcare.org
Kay Tillow, Chair
Kentuckians for Single Payer Health Care, PO Box 17595, Louisville, KY 40217
502 636 1551