Panetta, Conway Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Medicare Enrollment Age for First Responders

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Representative Connie Conway (R-Tulare) introduced the First Responders' Care Expansion (FRCE) Act to lower the Medicare enrollment age for classified first responders to 57. First responders are often forced to retire early due to the physical toll of service. The First Responders' Care Expansion Act would ensure these public servants have access to quality health care coverage as they enter retirement and help recruit new officers by guaranteeing those who pursue a career in law enforcement will have their Medicare benefits upon retirement.

First responders face higher risk of workplace injury, cardiovascular disease, mental health challenges, and general wear and tear of muscles, joints, and ligaments due to the physical and stress demands of their chosen occupations. A June 2021 national survey from the Police Executive Research Forum, found a 45 percent increase in law enforcement retirements and an 18 percent rise in resignations compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders face challenges in recruitment, with 78 percent of law enforcement agencies reporting difficulties in recruiting qualified candidates.

"Our first responders put their bodies and lives on the line to protect our communities, but too often find themselves without affordable health care options when they retire early due to the physical and mental demands of service," said Rep. Panetta. "By lowering the Medicare enrollment age for our first responders, we acknowledge the sacrifices they have made while serving the public and ensure they are able to access the high-quality health care they deserve. Supporting the needs of our first responders on the job and when they retire is a bipartisan priority that improves public safety and the welfare of the men and women who serve."

"Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep us, our families, and our communities safe. We need to show that the relationship is reciprocal - they take care of us, and we take care of them," said Rep. Conway. "I'm proud to cosponsor this bill, which will make medical care easier to get and more affordable for many officers who've dedicated their lives to protecting ours."

Under the First Responders' Care Expansion Act, first responders with ten years of service would be eligible for the lower Medicare enrollment age. These first responders include law enforcement officers, fire fighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other protective service occupations.

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