Eligible Medicare enrollees' auto medical coverage opt-outs would continue across renewals

An eligible policyholder's choice to skip auto medical benefits would remain effective while coverage continues with the same insurer or its affiliate. The choice also covers the spouse, household relatives, and anyone else who could otherwise claim these benefits under the policy. The policyholder must have Medicare Parts A and B. Their spouse and household relatives must have qualifying health coverage or auto medical coverage. Ending the choice requires written notice and a policy issued in accordance with that notice. A written request to end the choice takes effect when a policy is issued in accordance with that request.

The named policyholder would have to obtain auto medical coverage within 30 days after required health coverage ends. These rules cover people affected by an opt-out when required health coverage ends. The special crash rule applies only if the policyholder fails to obtain coverage on time and the injured person has no coverage under another policy. That person could claim through the assigned claims plan, a separate route for seeking benefits. Insurers could not deny or restrict future coverage, charge a reinstatement fee, or raise premiums solely because an otherwise eligible person missed the deadline. The deadline runs from the effective date that required health coverage ends.