FORCE Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill would add a new Medicare option for certain first responders aged 57 through 64. To be eligible, a person must have worked 10 years or more in jobs identified by specific Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes listed in the bill (codes 33-1010, 33-1020, 33-2000, 33-3000 except 33-3040, and 33-9092). Eligible people may enroll in coverage that gives them the same benefits and protections as Medicare Part A and Part B enrollees, and they may join Part D prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans. The bill sets monthly premiums equal to the Part B premium and, for those not otherwise entitled to Part A, the Part A premium. Premiums paid under this option are placed in a newly created "Medicare First Responder Trust Fund." The bill also directs the Secretary to ask the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to update Medigap (Medicare supplemental) standards to allow these enrollees access to supplemental policies. The bill says it does not reduce existing Medicare or Medicaid eligibility and includes rules about how this coverage relates to the Affordable Care Act and state Medicaid purchasing.

What it means for you#

  • If you worked 10 or more years in the SOC-coded occupations listed in the bill and are between 57 and 64, you could choose to enroll in this Medicare option.
  • You may enroll in the month before you turn eligible or at any time while eligible. Coverage starts the first day of the month after you enroll and continues until you end enrollment or become eligible for standard Medicare at age 65.
  • You would pay monthly premiums equal to the amounts described in the bill and could join Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, and seek Medigap coverage as updated by the NAIC.
  • If you are not in the eligible job categories or have other Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, the bill would not change your existing benefits.

Expenses#

  • The bill requires enrollees to pay monthly premiums. Those premiums are deposited into a new "Medicare First Responder Trust Fund." The trust fund may also receive gifts or appropriations as allowed under the bill.
  • No publicly available information on overall federal costs, savings, or budget estimates is included in the bill text or the provided metadata.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.