Retirement Freedom Act

# Retirement Freedom Act Summary **What It Would Do** The Retirement Freedom Act would allow people to choose whether to participate in Medicare's hospital insurance program (Part A) independently from Social Security. Currently, if someone wants to opt out of Medicare Part A, they must also decline their Social Security benefits—or vice versa. This bill would separate those two decisions, letting people keep Social Security while refusing Medicare hospital coverage, or make other combinations of choices.

It would also allow people to rejoin Medicare later without penalties if they change their minds. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill primarily affects people eligible for Medicare (generally age 65 and older) and those receiving Social Security benefits. The main provisions include: allowing individuals to decline Medicare Part A without losing Social Security eligibility, allowing people to opt back into Medicare without penalty, and letting people keep any Medicare benefits they've already received even if they later opt out. This could appeal to people with alternative health coverage or those who prefer not to participate in the federal program. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.