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Guaranteed Issue Rights Denied: Protecting Seniors When Medicare Plans Are Non-Renewed or Terminated

Mike Roth interviews Bill Kadereit about Guaranteed Issue Rights (GIR) being denied when Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Part D plans are non-renewed, terminated, or become unavailable after a move to another state. Kadereit explains key differences between non-renewal and termination and describes how insurers often “crosswalk” members into new plans without providing required GIR notices, limiting seniors’ ability to shop. He cites large-scale disruptions, including millions affected by 2025 terminations and non-renewals, and a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan example, arguing seniors with chronic conditions can face rejection or higher costs without GIR protections. The discussion highlights weak enforcement, confusion between state and CMS responsibility, criminal/civil penalties that are not applied, and NRLN’s efforts through white papers, CMS meetings, and plans to involve attorneys general while urging seniors to report missing or inadequate notices.

00:00 Welcome and Topic

00:18 GIR Basics Explained

01:05 Nonrenewal vs Termination

01:43 Moving States Eligibility

03:06 Crosswalking Trap

04:35 Scale of the Problem

07:09 Join and Report Cancellations

09:20 Why Costs Are Rising

10:37 Penalties and No Enforcement

11:59 Who Enforces the Rules

13:26 SEP and Golden Ticket Rights

17:20 Company Plan Terminations

20:07 ACA Gap and Trial Rights

21:39 NRLN Actions and Next Steps

24:09 Wrap Up and Closing