Sen. Markey Introduces Bill to Have Medicare Pay for Backup Power and Cooling During Disasters
This bill was recently introduced in the Senate and is currently being reviewed by the Committee on Finance. It is in the early stages of the legislative process and has no upcoming votes scheduled at this time. The bill is considered active as it waits for the committee to decide on its next steps.
While this bill addresses a growing need for disaster safety, it faces a difficult path because it adds significant new costs to the Medicare program.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
People who receive Medicare through disability (those under 65 on SSDI who qualify for Medicare after a waiting period) could benefit from this new coverage if they meet the medical at-risk criteria. This population is especially likely to rely on powered medical equipment and temperature-sensitive medications, making them strong candidates for eligibility.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Legislation introduced by Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Maxwell Frost would require Medicare to fully cover the costs of medically necessary equipment like solar batteries and heat pumps for people at risk during climate disasters.
The bill would ensure that air conditioners, refrigerators, generators, and solar batteries are covered by Medicare so that seniors and people with disabilities can safely weather storms with their life-sustaining medical equipment.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
SAFE through Medicare Act
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.