# What the Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act Does

This bill creates a new way for retired or disabled first responders between ages 50 and 64 to buy into Medicare before they reach the normal eligibility age of 65. Right now, if you retire from law enforcement, firefighting, or emergency services before 65, you're stuck in a tough spot—you're too young for Medicare but may have lost your employer health coverage. This bill solves that problem by letting these workers purchase Medicare coverage during those gap years.

The program covers the full range of Medicare benefits, including hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and prescription drug coverage (Part D). First responders who enroll would pay a monthly premium based on the average cost of providing Medicare benefits to everyone in the program. Importantly, they can also qualify for the same tax credits and cost-sharing assistance available to other people buying insurance on the health care marketplace, which could significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs if their income qualifies. The bill also allows employers to help pay these premiums for their retired workers without tax penalties.

The coverage would begin on January 1 of the first year that's at least one year after the bill becomes law. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, live in the United States, be between 50 and 64 years old, and have separated from service due to retirement or disability. The bill defines first responders as qualified law enforcement officers, certain emergency medical personnel, and federal firefighters. The bill also establishes an oversight board to monitor how the program works and makes grants available to states and nonprofits to help first responders learn about and enroll in this new option.

Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act

Phillips, Dean

Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act This bill establishes a Medicare buy-in option for certain qualifying first responders. Specifically, the bill allows first responders aged 50 to 64 to enroll in Medicare if they are retired or otherwise separated from service due to a disability. The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) must determine enrollment periods and set premiums for the buy-in option established under the bill, in accordance with specified requirements. The CMS must also award grants to states and nonprofit organizations for outreach and enrollment activities relating to the buy-in option.