STATEHOUSE (Feb. 28, 2024) – The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to extend health insurance coverage to Hoosiers living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and end-stage renal disease, according to State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville).
Lou Gehrig's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and eventually death. End-stage renal disease causes kidneys to stop functioning, and patients need long-term dialysis or a kidney transplant. Currently, patients with these diseases are the only ones who can access Medicare coverage before age 65, but not Medicare supplemental insurance called Medigap. Private companies sell Medigap to cover health care costs not covered by Medicare, including copayments and deductibles. This legislation, which Borders supported, would give Hoosier ALS and ESRD patients access to Medigap coverage at a similar cost to regular Medicare recipients.
"Hoosiers living with these diseases are prone to financial hardship and a lack of access to needed health care," Borders said. "This legislation would provide them an insurance safety net that could lead to better outcomes."
The legislation applies to Medicare supplemental plans A, B and D, which are the bulk of the plans people enroll in. For all other Medicare plans, ALS and ESRD patients would pay 200% of what customers aged 65 or older pay.
The American Kidney Fund, ALS Association and Dialysis Patient Citizens testified in support of the bill.
Senate Enrolled Act 215 now goes to the governor for consideration as a new law. For more information and to follow legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
-30-
State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Greene and Sullivan counties, and portions of Daviess, Knox and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
