You asked whether any other states require insurers to give disabled Medicare beneficiaries access to all standardized Medicare supplement policies (MSPs) they offer.

In a January 23, 2002, OLR report (2001-R-0139) we indicated that 11 states require MSP insurers to give disabled Medicare beneficiaries access to all MSPs they offer in that state. Vermont provides access on a voluntary basis.

Two states, Maryland and New York, should be added to this list. New York requires insurers to offer plans "A" and "B" to the disabled but also specifies that insurers must make any other plans they offer available to all beneficiaries.

We have attached an AARP report on state efforts to provide access to Medicare supplement insurance for the disabled. The reports noted that some states, including Connecticut, offer the disabled supplemental coverage through state risks pools as well.

Enclosure: AARP Report

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