Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act

Expanded Healthcare Access for First Responders: Qualified first responders—including law enforcement, specific employees under the Internal Revenue Code, and Federal firefighters—who are separated from service due to retirement or disability can access Medicare benefits earlier than the standard age of 65 (Section 2, Paragraph (a)(3) and (4)).

Benefit Protections: Individuals enrolled under this option receive the same benefits and protections as those entitled to Part A and enrolled in Parts B and D, including the ability to join Medicare Advantage plans that provide qualified prescription drug coverage (Section 2, Paragraph (a)(2)).

Guaranteed Medigap Access: The bill ensures that those enrolling under this section have guaranteed issue of Medigap policies upon their first enrollment and subsequent re-enrollments (Section 2, Paragraph (g)).

Support for Enrollment and Transition: The Secretary is authorized to award grants to states or nonprofit organizations to conduct outreach, educate the public, and assist individuals in transitioning to this coverage (Section 2, Paragraph (i)(1)).

Premium Costs: Individuals must pay a monthly premium determined by the Secretary, which is based on the average annual per capita amount for benefits and administrative expenses (Section 2, Paragraph (c)(1) and (2)).

Additional Plan Costs: While the buy-in provides access, individuals choosing a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan that requires additional payments for supplemental benefits or more expensive coverage are responsible for those increased monthly premiums (Section 2, Paragraph (c)(3)).

Ineligibility for Cost-Sharing Assistance: Individuals enrolled under this specific buy-in option are not eligible to be treated as enrolled under any part of Medicare for the purpose of obtaining medical assistance for Medicare cost-sharing or under Title XIX (Section 2, Paragraph (e)).