S 3221

Official Title: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide an option for first responders age 50 to 64 who are separated from service due to retirement or disability to buy into Medicare.

Introduced: 2025-11-19

Passed House:

Passed Senate:

To President:

Became Law:

Categories: Introduced Pension Senate

Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act

This bill establishes a Medicare buy-in option for certain qualifying first responders.

Specifically, the bill allows first responders aged 50 to 64 to enroll in Medicare if they are retired or otherwise separated from service due to a disability. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must determine enrollment periods and set premiums for the buy-in option established under the bill, in accordance with specified requirements. The CMS must also award grants to states and nonprofit organizations for outreach and enrollment activities relating to the buy-in option.

Action(s)

  • 11/19/2025 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • 11/19/2025 - Introduced in Senate

Bill Details

  • Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act

    Short Title

  • Senate

    Type

  • 119

    Congress Number

  • S3221-119

    Full Number

Sponsor

Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]

Sen.