SANTA FE – On Friday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 21 into law, expanding consumer protections for older adults in New Mexico.
The new law ensures that eligible Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) beneficiaries ages 65 and older will have a yearly opportunity to review and change their Medigap coverage without being denied due to health conditions.
“New Mexicans deserve freedom to choose coverage that meets their needs without being locked into a plan because of their health history,” said Emily Kaltenbach, aging department secretary. “This change helps ensure our seniors can access affordable, flexible coverage as their health care priorities evolve.”
Prior to this legislation, Medicare beneficiaries in New Mexico only received a limited one-time opportunity to enroll in or change Medicare supplement plans without medical underwriting. SB21 establishes an open enrollment period beginning on a beneficiary’s birthday month and lasting sixty days, allowing eligible policyholders to switch to plans of equal or lesser value without insurers denying coverage or charging higher rates based on health status.
This law is expected to help the over 70,000 New Mexicans enrolled in Medigap by providing an opportunity to maintain affordable coverage and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
SB21 was sponsored by Senators Wilson, Woods, Campos, Hickey, Stefanics and Representative Szczepanski.
The new enrollment protections will take effect starting January 1, 2027.