Preserving Social Security and Medicare for Citizens Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill would limit Social Security benefits to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Anyone without one of these statuses would lose monthly benefits, even if they previously paid into the system through payroll taxes.
• The bill similarly restricts Medicare eligibility. It removes two categories of individuals currently allowed to receive Medicare by striking paragraphs (3) and (4) from Section 1899C, leaving only citizens/nationals and lawful permanent residents eligible.
• The bill expands who must pay Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes (FICA) by removing three current exemptions from the tax code. Workers who were previously exempt from these taxes would now have to pay them, bringing more revenue into both programs.
• The Social Security benefit restrictions would take effect immediately for the first month after the bill becomes law. The new FICA tax rules would kick in starting January 1 of the year after the bill is enacted.
• Introduced by Rep. Mace with Rep. Burchett as a cosponsor, the bill was referred to both the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It is currently in the early committee stage.