Bill · H.R. 6157· House(119-HR-6157)
FORCE Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 11/19/2025
- Last activity
- 11/19/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Jimmy Panetta
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The FORCE Act of 2025 aims to amend the Social Security Act to expand Medicare benefits to specific first responders. Eligible individuals can enroll in Medicare starting at age 57 rather than waiting until age 65. To qualify, a person must have worked at least 10 years in specific occupations identified by certain Standard Occupational Classification System codes. These individuals would receive benefits and protections similar to those found in Medicare Parts A, B, and D. The bill also establishes a Medicare First Responder Trust Fund to handle the collected premiums.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+7
The bill allows eligible first responders to access Medicare benefits, including Part D and Medicare Advantage, much earlier than the standard age of 65.
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?+5
The bill establishes a new Medicare First Responder Trust Fund to provide coverage for eligible individuals starting at age 57.
Does this strengthen Social Security?+5
The bill expands Medicare eligibility, which is a key component of the social safety net managed under the Social Security Act.
The opposite
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-2
The bill prohibits the use of this specific Medicare option for individuals who are currently eligible for coverage under a State Medicaid plan.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The creation of the Medicare First Responder Trust Fund represents a new expenditure of federal resources for early healthcare coverage.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Early Access to Medicare Benefits: Individuals meeting the specific age and work requirements can access Medicare benefits earlier, specifically starting at age 57 instead of 65 (Section 2(a)(2)).
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Comprehensive Coverage Options: Eligible first responders are entitled to the same benefits and protections as standard Medicare recipients, including the ability to join prescription drug plans under Part D or Medicare Advantage plans (Section 2(a)(2)(3)).
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Protection via Ombudsman: Enrolled individuals would have access to the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman (Section 2(a)(2)(3)).
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Medigap Accessibility: The bill ensures that coverage through Medicare supplemental policies is made available to these eligible individuals (Section 2(g)(3)).
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Guaranteed Medigap Enrollment: The Secretary is directed to work with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to update standards so that Medicare supplemental policies accept these eligible individuals (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Monthly Premium Costs: Individuals must pay monthly premiums which consist of the amount for Part B plus the amount for Part A (Section 2(c)(1)).
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Restrictions on Medicaid Integration: States are prohibited from buying Medicaid beneficiaries ages 57 to 64 into this Medicare option, and individuals eligible for coverage under a State plan are prohibited from using this specific Medicare enrollment (Section 2(g)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+7Increases Medicare Funding+5Increases Affordable Care Act Support+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Seniors+3Good For Veterans+2Good For Young Adults+2Good For Low Income Households-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Social Security+5
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- 5/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/5/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/19/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
J. CorreaDemocrat · California
Salud CarbajalDemocrat · California
Mike LevinDemocrat · California
Kelly MorrisonDemocrat · Minnesota
George WhitesidesDemocrat · California