Nevada Legislation Enhances Medigap Coverage for Young Dialysis Patients
On June 9, 2025, a significant advancement in healthcare policy was witnessed in Nevada, led by Governor Joe Lombardo (R-NV) and the Nevada State Legislature. This landmark event revolved around the passage of Senate Bill 292, which aims to enhance access to Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, specifically for individuals under the age of 65 who suffer from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This initiative was championed by Senator Roberta Lange (D-NV-7) and endorsed by a bipartisan coalition that saw the bill pass through the Senate with unanimous support and subsequently through the Assembly with an impressive vote of 39 to 3.
This legislation comes at a crucial time for many dialysis patients across Nevada. Prior to this bill, individuals under 65 with Medicare often faced exorbitant out-of-pocket costs due to significant gaps in Medicare coverage. Many did not qualify for Medicaid or had no access to employer-sponsored private insurance solutions to cover the remaining 20% of their treatment expenses. With the enactment of SB 292, these patients will now have the opportunity to enroll in Medigap Plans A, B, and D at the same rates available to those aged 65 and older. Furthermore, the additional Medigap coverage plans will not exceed double the standard rates, significantly easing the financial burden on these vulnerable patients.
Effective from October 1, 2025, this legislation includes a particularly noteworthy one-time special open enrollment period lasting from October 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026. This open enrollment will permit dialysis patients already enrolled in Medicare Part B to switch to Medigap coverage without facing significant financial penalties. This is an essential step to provide timely and adequate healthcare coverage for nephrology patients who are often overwhelmed by the costs associated with their treatment.
Andrew Conkling, President of the Board of Directors for Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC), voiced strong approval of the new law, stating, 'This legislation is life-changing for dialysis patients under 65 across Nevada who have never had access to any Medigap coverage. For the first time, Nevadans living with kidney failure can access coverage that fills the dangerous gaps in Medicare and gives them the financial stability they need to focus on their health.' These sentiments echo the strong advocacy work done by DPC and other stakeholders to elevate the needs of patients suffering from kidney-related ailments.
Chuck Lizer, a DPC Patient Ambassador and resident of Nevada, provided a poignant testimony on the challenges faced prior to this legislative change. He shared his personal experiences of struggling with high out-of-pocket costs for Medicare without having a Medigap option. 'This legislation will prevent others from going through that same hardship,' he noted, emphasizing the bill's importance in helping future patients navigate the increasingly complex healthcare system.
The passing of SB 292 marks a critical step towards equality and equity in healthcare access, particularly for the young population with chronic kidney conditions. It not only recognizes the challenges faced by these individuals but actively seeks to alleviate their burden by ensuring they have the necessary coverage to receive optimal care. Furthermore, it demonstrates a commendable collaboration between legislators and advocates, highlighting the power of bipartisan support in addressing pressing societal health issues.
The DPC extends its gratitude to Senator Lange, the Nevada Legislature, and Governor Lombardo for their decisive actions in favor of patients with kidney failure. Their commitment to enhancing the healthcare landscape for those most in need is a promising sign of progress towards a more inclusive and health-oriented policy framework in Nevada. As this legislation takes effect, it serves as a hopeful model for other states to consider similar initiatives that ensure better healthcare for all individuals, regardless of age, especially those critically affected by life-altering conditions.
This legislation comes at a crucial time for many dialysis patients across Nevada. Prior to this bill, individuals under 65 with Medicare often faced exorbitant out-of-pocket costs due to significant gaps in Medicare coverage. Many did not qualify for Medicaid or had no access to employer-sponsored private insurance solutions to cover the remaining 20% of their treatment expenses. With the enactment of SB 292, these patients will now have the opportunity to enroll in Medigap Plans A, B, and D at the same rates available to those aged 65 and older. Furthermore, the additional Medigap coverage plans will not exceed double the standard rates, significantly easing the financial burden on these vulnerable patients.
Effective from October 1, 2025, this legislation includes a particularly noteworthy one-time special open enrollment period lasting from October 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026. This open enrollment will permit dialysis patients already enrolled in Medicare Part B to switch to Medigap coverage without facing significant financial penalties. This is an essential step to provide timely and adequate healthcare coverage for nephrology patients who are often overwhelmed by the costs associated with their treatment.
Andrew Conkling, President of the Board of Directors for Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC), voiced strong approval of the new law, stating, 'This legislation is life-changing for dialysis patients under 65 across Nevada who have never had access to any Medigap coverage. For the first time, Nevadans living with kidney failure can access coverage that fills the dangerous gaps in Medicare and gives them the financial stability they need to focus on their health.' These sentiments echo the strong advocacy work done by DPC and other stakeholders to elevate the needs of patients suffering from kidney-related ailments.
Chuck Lizer, a DPC Patient Ambassador and resident of Nevada, provided a poignant testimony on the challenges faced prior to this legislative change. He shared his personal experiences of struggling with high out-of-pocket costs for Medicare without having a Medigap option. 'This legislation will prevent others from going through that same hardship,' he noted, emphasizing the bill's importance in helping future patients navigate the increasingly complex healthcare system.
The passing of SB 292 marks a critical step towards equality and equity in healthcare access, particularly for the young population with chronic kidney conditions. It not only recognizes the challenges faced by these individuals but actively seeks to alleviate their burden by ensuring they have the necessary coverage to receive optimal care. Furthermore, it demonstrates a commendable collaboration between legislators and advocates, highlighting the power of bipartisan support in addressing pressing societal health issues.
The DPC extends its gratitude to Senator Lange, the Nevada Legislature, and Governor Lombardo for their decisive actions in favor of patients with kidney failure. Their commitment to enhancing the healthcare landscape for those most in need is a promising sign of progress towards a more inclusive and health-oriented policy framework in Nevada. As this legislation takes effect, it serves as a hopeful model for other states to consider similar initiatives that ensure better healthcare for all individuals, regardless of age, especially those critically affected by life-altering conditions.
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