Bill · H.R. 7909· House(119-HR-7909)
Medicare Expansion and Lowering Costs Now Act
- Introduced
- 3/12/2026
- Last activity
- 3/12/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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
- Raja Krishnamoorthi
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Medicare Expansion and Lowering Costs Now Act allows people aged 50 to 64 to buy into Medicare. It creates a voluntary supplemental insurance program to cover deductibles and copayments for those already in Medicare parts A and B. The bill authorizes the Secretary to negotiate lower prices for covered part D drugs. It also establishes an Individual Market Reinsurance Fund to stabilize health insurance markets. Additionally, it increases eligibility for premium tax credits by removing the 400 percent poverty line cap.
Yes· 3 of 25
Would people in middle age be better off under this?+9
Directly benefits individuals aged 50-64 by allowing early entry into Medicare.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+9
Expands financial assistance and removes income caps for premium tax credits.
Does this lower the price of prescription medicines?+9
Explicitly mandates the Secretary to negotiate lower prices for Part D drugs.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-3
The bill increases spending through the Individual Market Reinsurance Fund and expanded tax credit eligibility.
Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes?-2
Prohibits states from buying Medicaid beneficiaries into the new Medicare buy-in option.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-2
Prohibits states from using Medicaid funds to buy beneficiaries into the Medicare buy-in option.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Early Medicare Access: Individuals aged 50 to 64 who meet specific eligibility requirements can now enroll in Medicare, receiving the same benefits and protections as those 65 and older (Section 3(a)).
- Reduced Out-of-Pocket Costs: A new voluntary supplemental program will pay for deductibles, copayments, and other cost-sharing amounts, subject to a $100 annual deductible (Section 4(c)(1)).
- Lower Drug Prices: The Secretary is required to negotiate prices, discounts, and rebates with pharmaceutical manufacturers for covered part D drugs (Section 5(a)(1)).
- Financial Assistance: Enrollees in the buy-in option can receive financial assistance for coverage similar to the assistance provided through an Exchange (Section 3(g)(1)).
- Expanded Tax Credits: The removal of the 400 percent poverty line cap increases the number of people eligible for premium tax credits (Section 10(a)).
- Market Stabilization: The Individual Market Reinsurance Fund provides payments to insurers for high-cost individuals, which is intended to stabilize the individual health insurance market (Section 6(b)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Late Enrollment Penalties: Individuals who do not enroll in the direct supplemental insurance program during specified periods will face a monthly premium increase of 10 percent for each 12-month period they were eligible but not enrolled (Section 4(d)(2)(B)).
- Buy-In Costs: Individuals choosing the Medicare buy-in option must pay a monthly premium determined by the Secretary (Section 3(c)(1)).
- Medicaid Restrictions: States are prohibited from buying their Medicaid beneficiaries ages 50 to 64 into the Medicare buy-in option, and those eligible for a State plan are generally prohibited from this coverage (Section 3(h)(3)).
- Additional Drug Plan Costs: If an individual chooses a prescription drug plan with supplemental benefits or a more expensive plan, their monthly premium will increase (Section 3(c)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+9Good For Middle Aged+9Good For Middle Class Households+7Good For Retirees+7Good For Seniors+7Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Native Americans+4Good For Asian Americans+3Good For White Americans+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+9Reduces Prescription Drug Costs+9Increases Affordable Care Act Support+8Increases Medicare Funding+6Reduces Private Insurance Premiums+6Increases Medicaid Funding-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+6Improves Social Security+5Improves Disability Rights+4Improves Racial Equity+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+4Improves Government Transparency+3Increase States Rights-2
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Middle Class Taxes+5Improves Consumer Protection+4Reduces Inflation+2Reduces Government Spending-3Improves Fiscal Responsibility-2Reduces National Debt-2
- 3/12/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
- Introduced in House