Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act

# Summary of HR 6147: Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would create a new option allowing certain first responders to buy into Medicare earlier than the standard eligibility age of 65. Specifically, it would let first responders aged 50-64 who are retired or disabled enroll in Medicare. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (the federal agency that runs Medicare) would handle enrollment periods and set the premiums that participants would pay. The bill also includes funding for states and nonprofit organizations to conduct outreach and help eligible first responders sign up for this option. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill primarily affects retired first responders (such as firefighters, police officers, and paramedics) and those forced to leave service due to disability who currently lack affordable health insurance options.

Rather than waiting until age 65 for regular Medicare eligibility, they could access Medicare coverage earlier at a set premium. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by Congress. It was sponsored by Representative Greg Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio.