Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act
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This bill would allow retired or disabled first responders aged 50 to 64 to buy into Medicare coverage.
What it does
This bill would create a Medicare buy-in option for retired or disabled first responders between the ages of 50 and 64. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services would be responsible for establishing enrollment periods, setting premium rates, and awarding grants to states and nonprofit organizations for outreach and enrollment assistance.
Who is affected
The bill affects first responders between the ages of 50 and 64 who have retired or separated from service due to a disability by allowing them to enroll in Medicare. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is tasked with managing enrollment and premiums, while states and nonprofit organizations may receive grants to conduct outreach and enrollment activities.
Key provisions
- Medicare buy-in option for first responders. Establishes a program allowing qualifying first responders between the ages of 50 and 64 to enroll in Medicare coverage.
- Eligibility for retired or disabled personnel. Limits enrollment eligibility to first responders who have retired or have separated from their service due to a disability.
- Administrative oversight and premium setting. Directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to determine specific enrollment periods and establish premium rates for the buy-in option.
- Outreach and enrollment grants. Requires the federal government to award grants to states and nonprofit organizations to support outreach and enrollment efforts for the new coverage option.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill expands the existing Medicare program by establishing a buy-in option for retired or disabled first responders between the ages of 50 and 64. It also directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to manage enrollment and premiums for this new category of coverage in accordance with federal requirements.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to provide a Medicare buy-in option for retired or disabled first responders between the ages of 50 and 64. It also seeks to facilitate participation in this option through federal grants for outreach and enrollment activities.