Medicare Expansion and Lowering Costs Now Act

This bill would establish a Medicare buy-in option allowing individuals aged 50 to 64 to enroll in the program before reaching the standard eligibility age. It proposes to create a supplemental coverage option for Medicare cost-sharing, an individual market reinsurance program for high-cost cases, and expanded eligibility for premium tax credits. Additionally, the legislation would repeal health provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including requirements for certain Medicaid recipients to participate in work or community service activities.

This bill primarily affects individuals aged 50 to 64 who would qualify for Medicare at age 65, as well as Medicaid expansion populations previously subject to community service or work requirements. It also impacts the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which must manage the new buy-in option, and states and nonprofit organizations eligible for outreach grants. Additionally, the legislation affects high-cost individuals in the health insurance market and those eligible for expanded premium tax credits.

• Establishment of a Medicare buy-in option. The bill allows individuals between the ages of 50 and 64 to enroll in Medicare if they would otherwise qualify for the program at age 65. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is tasked with setting enrollment periods and premiums for this new option.
• Repeal of health provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The legislation repeals health-related provisions enacted under previous law, including requirements for the Medicaid expansion population to engage in work, community service, or other activities to maintain eligibility.
• Creation of a supplemental Medicare cost-sharing option. The bill establishes a supplemental option within the Medicare program designed to cover cost-sharing expenses for beneficiaries.
• Individual market reinsurance program. A reinsurance program is established for the individual insurance market to assist with the costs associated with high-cost individuals.
• Expansion of premium tax credit eligibility. The bill increases the number of individuals eligible for the premium tax credit to help lower health care costs.
• Grants for outreach and enrollment. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must provide grants to states and nonprofit organizations to conduct outreach and enrollment activities for the new Medicare buy-in option.

The bill modifies the Medicare program by expanding enrollment eligibility to individuals aged 50 to 64 and establishing a supplemental cost-sharing option. Additionally, it repeals health-related provisions enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including Medicaid work and community service requirements, while expanding eligibility for the premium tax credit.

The bill aims to expand healthcare access and reduce costs by establishing a Medicare buy-in option for individuals aged 50 to 64 and creating a supplemental option for beneficiary cost-sharing. Additionally, it seeks to modify health policy by repealing specific Medicaid work requirements and individual market provisions enacted under previous legislation while expanding eligibility for premium tax credits.