# Understanding the FORCE Act of 2023

This bill creates a new way for firefighters, police officers, and other first responders to get Medicare health insurance starting at age 57, instead of waiting until age 65 like most Americans. Currently, Medicare is only available to people 65 and older (with some exceptions for people with disabilities). This bill recognizes that first responders often retire earlier due to the physical demands of their jobs and need health coverage before they reach traditional retirement age.

To qualify, you'd need to have worked at least 10 years in a first responder occupation—this includes firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, correctional officers, and similar roles. Once you turn 57 and meet the work requirement, you can sign up for this new Medicare coverage. You'd pay a monthly premium similar to what regular Medicare costs, and you'd get the same benefits as someone who qualified for Medicare at 65, including hospital coverage, doctor visits, and prescription drug plans.

The coverage would continue until you either choose to stop it or you turn 65 and become eligible for regular Medicare. The bill also requires insurance companies to offer supplemental coverage (called Medigap) to these first responders, making it easier to fill gaps in Medicare coverage. Additionally, the bill clarifies that this coverage counts as "minimum essential coverage" under the Affordable Care Act, so first responders won't face tax penalties for having it. The premiums paid by first responders would go into a special trust fund to help pay for the program's costs.

FORCE Act of 2023

Panetta, Jimmy

First Responders' Care Expansion Act of 2023 or the FORCE Act of 2023 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of first responders between the ages of 57 and 64 who do not otherwise already qualify for Medicare.