Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2025
Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would create a special enrollment window for people who need to switch from COBRA health coverage to Medicare. Currently, if you lose employer health insurance and use COBRA (a program that lets you keep your old coverage temporarily), you may miss standard Medicare enrollment deadlines and face penalties.
This bill would allow eligible people to enroll in Medicare during any month they're on COBRA, plus for three months after COBRA ends—giving them more time and flexibility to make the switch without penalties. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects people age 65 and older who are using COBRA coverage when they become eligible for Medicare. These are typically people who lost employer-sponsored health insurance and are using COBRA as a temporary bridge while still working or in transition. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 2744) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2025This bill provides for a special enrollment period for Medicare medical benefits for individuals who are enrolled in COBRA continuation coverage at the time they qualify for Medicare. The special enrollment period applies during each month of COBRA coverage and the three-month period after coverage ends; individuals may enroll during the special enrollment period once during their lifetime.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and 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.