Bill · H.R. 9054· House(119-HR-9054)
Earned Benefits Equality and Family Reunification Act
- Introduced
- 5/29/2026
- Last activity
- 5/29/2026 — 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
- Adriano Espaillat
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes a 10-year demonstration program allowing eligible Medicare beneficiaries to use their benefits to cover health care items, services, premiums, and cost-sharing in other countries. The program aims to evaluate impacts on care quality, government costs, family reunification, and U.S. medical infrastructure strain. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will initially select at least 11 countries, including Canada, Germany, India, Israel, Korea, the Philippines, Panama, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Ghana. Participation in the program is completely voluntary, and beneficiaries can terminate their participation at any time. Participating beneficiaries keep their right to access Medicare items and services when furnished inside the United States. The Secretary must ensure that total program payments do not exceed what Medicare would pay for equivalent services delivered domestically.
Yes· 3 of 16
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+7
Enables eligible Medicare beneficiaries to apply their benefits toward healthcare services and coverage abroad.
Would retired people be better off under this?+7
Directly benefits retirees by expanding Medicare portability to international locations.
Would immigrants be better off under this?+6
Directly supports family reunification goals, allowing former U.S. residents and immigrants to access Medicare abroad.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Family Reunification: Section 1866H(b)(1)(C) states that the program aims to enable applicable beneficiaries to reunify with family members, which could help people live closer to their loved ones abroad.
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Voluntary Participation and Choice: Section 1866H(d)(1) allows beneficiaries to participate in the program voluntarily and terminate their participation at any time, giving individuals control over their healthcare choices.
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Maintained U.S. Healthcare Access: Section 1866H(d)(3) ensures that participating in the program does not limit a beneficiary's access to items and services covered under Medicare when furnished in the United States, meaning people do not lose their domestic benefits.
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Targeting Low-Income Individuals: Section 1866H(b)(3)(C) requires the Secretary to issue guidance on ways to target low-income Americans as participants in the program, potentially helping lower-income individuals access international healthcare options.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Caps on Participation: Section 1866H(d)(4) allows the Secretary to cap the number of applicable beneficiaries accepted into the program, which could exclude interested individuals if the cap is reached.
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 Retirees+7Good For Seniors+7Good For Immigrants+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For African Americans+1
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6Reduces Prescription Drug Costs+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+2Reduces Government Spending+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+2Improves International Alliances+2
- 5/29/2026
- 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.
- Introduced in House