FORCE Act of 2025
FORCE Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# FORCE Act of 2025 Summary **What It Would Do** The FORCE Act (First Responders' Care Expansion Act) would allow firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders aged 57-64 to enroll in Medicare before reaching the standard eligibility age of 65. Currently, Medicare is generally only available to people 65 and older, so this bill would create an exception for this specific group of workers. **Who It Affects** The bill targets early-career first responders who are nearing retirement age but haven't yet qualified for Medicare. This includes firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and similar public safety workers.
It would help cover their healthcare costs during the gap years between retirement and traditional Medicare eligibility. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).
CRS Official Summary
First Responders' Care Expansion Act of 2025 or the FORCE Act of 2025This bill provides for Medicare coverage of first responders between the ages of 57 and 64 who do not otherwise already qualify for Medicare.
Latest Action
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.