[The following is a paid advertisement.]

The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance (IKCA) urges the passage of Senate Bill 2501. IKCA is committed to protecting the needs of Illinois’ kidney patients, and we know SB 2501 would benefit them.

IKCA believes that, when crafting policy that impacts people’s health care, the well-being of patients should come first – before the interests of any industry group or business sector.

SB 2501 aims to amend the Illinois Insurance Code by providing that a Medicare supplement policyholder is entitled to an annual open enrollment period lasting 60 days or more, starting with the individual’s birthday, during which time that person may purchase any Medicare supplement policy that offers benefits equal to or lesser than those provided by the previous coverage. Importantly, it also holds that, during the open enrollment period, the issuer of a Medicare supplement policy cannot deny coverage based on an existing medical condition.

We’re focused on the 30,000-plus patients in Illinois who have serious kidney disease. But SB 2501 would help all Medicare beneficiaries in Illinois avoid having to turn to the state for assistance.

We support Senate Bill 2501, and you should too.