Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill proposes to amend the Social Security Act to expand Medicare eligibility to certain first responders, allowing them to enroll at an earlier age. Individuals aged 57 to 64 who have worked for at least 10 years in specific first responder occupations, such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians, would become eligible. Enrolled individuals would receive the same comprehensive benefits and protections as those entitled to traditional Medicare Parts A and B, including the ability to enroll in Part D prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans. Eligible individuals can enroll during the month prior to becoming eligible or at any time while eligible, with coverage beginning the first day of the following month. Participants would be responsible for paying monthly premiums equivalent to those for Medicare Parts A and B, plus any additional premiums for Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans. The bill establishes a Medicare First Responder Trust Fund to collect these premiums. Additionally, it clarifies that this coverage constitutes minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act and directs the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop new standards for Medigap policies to ensure their availability for these early enrollees.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Health
FORCE Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-6157| House
| Updated: 11/19/2025
This bill proposes to amend the Social Security Act to expand Medicare eligibility to certain first responders, allowing them to enroll at an earlier age. Individuals aged 57 to 64 who have worked for at least 10 years in specific first responder occupations, such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians, would become eligible. Enrolled individuals would receive the same comprehensive benefits and protections as those entitled to traditional Medicare Parts A and B, including the ability to enroll in Part D prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans. Eligible individuals can enroll during the month prior to becoming eligible or at any time while eligible, with coverage beginning the first day of the following month. Participants would be responsible for paying monthly premiums equivalent to those for Medicare Parts A and B, plus any additional premiums for Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans. The bill establishes a Medicare First Responder Trust Fund to collect these premiums. Additionally, it clarifies that this coverage constitutes minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act and directs the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop new standards for Medigap policies to ensure their availability for these early enrollees.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.