Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act
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Proposes a Medicare buy-in option for retired or disabled first responders aged 50 to 64.
What it does
This bill would create a Medicare buy-in option for first responders between the ages of 50 and 64 who have retired or left service due to a disability. 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 efforts.
Who is affected
This bill affects first responders between the ages of 50 and 64 who have retired or separated from service due to a disability. It also impacts the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which is tasked with managing enrollment and premiums, as well as state governments and nonprofit organizations eligible for outreach and enrollment grants.
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 within the specified age range who have retired or separated from service because of a disability.
- Premium and Enrollment Administration. Directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to determine specific enrollment periods and set premium rates for the buy-in option based on statutory requirements.
- 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
This 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 directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to administer this new enrollment category and manage associated premiums and outreach grants.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to expand health insurance access for first responders by creating a Medicare buy-in option for individuals aged 50 to 64 who are retired or separated from service due to a disability. It also seeks to facilitate participation through federally funded outreach and enrollment grants.