Bill > HR9594

This bill, the First Responders' Care Expansion Act of 2022, aims to provide Medicare benefits to first responders at the age of 57, rather than the standard eligibility age of 65. The key provisions include: 1. Eligibility: Individuals who have worked for at least 10 years in certain first responder occupations (such as firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians) and are between the ages of 57 and 65 can enroll in Medicare. 2. Benefits and Protections: Individuals enrolled under this program will receive the same benefits and protections as those enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, including the ability to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans. 3. Premiums: The monthly premium for coverage under this program will be the same as the premium for Part B, plus the Part A premium if the individual is not otherwise entitled to Part A benefits. 4. Medicare First Responder Trust Fund: A new trust fund, the Medicare First Responder Trust Fund, will be created to manage the premiums collected from individuals enrolled under this program. 5. Medigap Coverage: The bill also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop new standards for Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies to ensure they are available to individuals eligible for enrollment under this program. Overall, this bill aims to provide earlier access to Medicare benefits for first responders who have dedicated a significant portion of their careers to public service.