FORCE Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Panetta
Introduced
Summary
Would create an optional Medicare benefit for long‑service first responders starting at age 57. The FORCE Act of 2025 would let qualifying first responders enroll in Part A and Part B‑equivalent coverage before age 65 and gain access to Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans.
Show full summary
- First responders: Individuals aged 57 through 64 with at least 10 years in specified first‑responder occupations identified by certain Standard Occupation Classification codes would be eligible to enroll. Coverage would mirror Part A and Part B benefits, include access to Part D and MA‑PD plans, and end when the person becomes entitled to standard Medicare at 65.
- Premiums and trust fund: The monthly premium would equal the Part B premium plus a Part A premium if the person is not otherwise entitled to Part A. Premiums paid to the Secretary would be deposited into a new Medicare First Responder Trust Fund made up of those premiums and gifts.
- Insurance market and state rules: The Secretary would ask the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to revise Medigap standards so insurers accept eligible enrollees statewide during a 30‑day window after enrollment and during transition periods. Coverage under this section would count as minimum essential coverage for the Affordable Care Act and states could not use this section to enroll Medicaid beneficiaries aged 57 to 64 into Medicare under this section.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Early Medicare option for first responders
If enacted, this would let some first responders ages 57–64 choose Medicare early. You would need at least 10 years in the first responder jobs the bill lists and not already qualify for Medicare before 65. You could enroll starting the month before eligibility or anytime while eligible. Coverage would start the first day of the month after you sign up and end when you drop it or standard Medicare starts. You would get Part A/Part B‑like benefits, could join a drug plan or Medicare Advantage, and could use the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman.
Premiums for first responder Medicare
If enacted, enrollees would pay a monthly premium like Part B. If you would not have premium‑free Part A at 65, you would also pay a Part A‑like premium. If you choose Medicare Advantage or a drug plan, you would pay those plan premiums too. The government would collect these payments and put most of them into a new Medicare First Responder Trust Fund to help finance this coverage.
Guaranteed Medigap access for first responders
If enacted, Medigap insurers in each state would have to accept you if you enroll under this first responder option and apply within 30 days. They would also have to accept you when you move from this coverage to regular Medicare. Certified Medigap plans would be listed online for easy enrollment and comparison.
Medicaid limits on this Medicare option
If enacted, states could not buy this Medicare coverage for Medicaid enrollees ages 57–64. People on a state Medicaid plan generally could not use this enrollment path, unless their Medicaid is not minimum essential coverage. Coverage under this new option would count as minimum essential coverage for tax purposes. The bill says it would not change any other Medicare or Medicaid rights you already have.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Panetta
CA • D
Cosponsors
Levin
CA • D
Sponsored 11/19/2025
Carbajal
CA • D
Sponsored 11/19/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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