Sponsors (6)
The bill creates a voluntary Medicare‑like buy‑in so early‑retired or disabled first responders can maintain comprehensive coverage (including drug benefits), but it requires full Medicare‑level premiums, excludes Medicaid‑eligible people and some immigrant responders, and introduces subsidy/tax complexity that could limit access for lower‑income enrollees.
Qualified first responders aged 50–64 who separated for retirement or disability can buy Medicare‑equivalent coverage before age 65, preserving continuous comprehensive benefits (including the option to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage) and maintaining access to prescriptions and plan choice.
Targeted outreach and enrollment grants (2027–2029) will help eligible first responders and supporting organizations learn about and enroll in the buy‑in, improving take‑up.
Premium payments for buy‑in enrollees are deposited into Medicare trust funds at estimated per‑capita costs, so enrollees fund their coverage and the program receives revenue that could modestly support Medicare solvency.
Qualified first responders who use the buy‑in must pay full premiums equal to estimated per‑capita Medicare costs, which may be high and unaffordable for many retired or disabled first responders.
Low‑income and Medicaid‑eligible individuals are disadvantaged: states and individuals eligible for Medicaid are barred from using the buy‑in, and coverage purchased under this section is not treated as Medicare for Medicaid cost‑sharing, potentially leaving low‑income enrollees without Medicaid assistance for Medicare cost‑sharing or access to this option.
First responders who are not U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents are excluded from the buy‑in, leaving non‑permanent resident first responders without this coverage option.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a Medicare buy-in allowing certain retired or disabled first responders aged 50–64 to purchase Medicare-equivalent coverage with Part A/B/D benefits and access to Medicare Advantage.
Official title: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide an option for first responders age 50 to 64 who are separated from service due to retirement or disability to buy into Medicare.
Introduced November 19, 2025 by Greg Landsman · Last progress November 19, 2025
Creates a new Medicare buy-in option that lets certain first responders aged 50–64 who separated from service because of retirement or disability enroll in Medicare-like coverage before age 65. The program gives enrollees the same benefits and protections as Part A enrollees who also have Parts B and D, allows enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage, and sets enrollment windows, premium rules, and an implementation date for coverage to begin.