CA SB242

Establishes a 90-day annual open enrollment period beginning January 1 each year (effective January 1, 2027) during which Medicare Part B enrollees can apply for any Medigap coverage on a guaranteed-issue basis without denial based on health status, claims experience, medical condition, or age

Prohibits Medigap insurers from denying coverage, conditioning effectiveness, or discriminating in pricing based on health factors during both the initial 6-month enrollment period and the new annual open enrollment period

Allows premium rates during the annual open enrollment to vary by age at time of issue using fixed age bands (under 65, 65-69, 70-79, 80+), with caps limiting higher age bands to 1.25-2 times the 65-69 band premium; premiums cannot increase based on age after coverage is issued

Removes the exclusion that previously prevented individuals with end-stage renal disease from accessing specified Medicare supplement benefit plans on a guaranteed-issue basis

Applies to both health care service plans regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care and health insurers regulated by the Department of Insurance