S 3221

This bill, the Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act, creates a new option for certain retired or disabled first responders (law enforcement officers, federal firefighters, and employees meeting specific IRS criteria) aged 50 to 64 to enroll in Medicare. It establishes a streamlined enrollment process and guarantees access to the same benefits as traditional Medicare recipients, including Medicare Advantage plans. The bill also directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish enrollment periods, premiums, and award grants to states and nonprofits for outreach and enrollment assistance.