Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act

Key Points

• Lets certain first responders ages 50–64 who retired or left due to disability buy into Medicare, even if they’re under 65.
• People who enroll would get Medicare hospital, medical, and drug coverage, and could choose a Medicare Advantage plan if they want.
• Premiums would be set to cover the average cost of the benefits and administration; choosing pricier plan options could cost extra.
• Enrollees would not qualify for Medicaid help with Medicare copays/deductibles through this buy-in, but they could still be eligible for Marketplace-style tax credits and cost-sharing discounts.
• Creates an oversight board and funds grants (2027–2029) to help with outreach and enrollment, with priority for areas at risk of having no individual-market plans.