Is the new MACRA legislation applicable to all carriers offering Medicare supplement plans?

The correct response is that the new MACRA legislation does indeed apply to all carriers offering Medicare supplement plans. MACRA, or the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, made significant changes to the Medicare program, particularly in how Medicare supplement plans, often referred to as Medigap plans, are structured and offered.

One of the key aspects of MACRA is that it eliminated the ability for plans sold after January 1, 2020, to offer first dollar coverage for new Medicare beneficiaries. This means that new enrollees are not able to purchase plans that cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which had previously been a feature of certain Medigap plans. The legislation affects how carriers design their plans and informs potential beneficiaries about their choices.

The implication of this legislation is broad, ensuring that all carriers must comply with these rules when providing Medicare supplement plans, making it a universal standard affecting the entire industry, rather than being limited to specific types of plans or carriers. This change aims to help control Medicare spending and improve the sustainability of the program.

Understanding this context helps clarify why the answer is affirmative—MACRA has a significant influence on all Medicare supplement plans offered by carriers, not just a select few or those established after a specific date.