H.R. 7909 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on 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, Mar 12, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryLets people 50-64 buy into Medicare early
This bill would let people aged 50 to 64 enroll in Medicare before they turn 65, if they'd otherwise qualify at that age. The bill also repeals certain health rules from previous legislation, makes changes to help cover more of people's out-of-pocket health costs, sets up a program to help with coverage for people with very high medical expenses, and expands who can get tax credits to help pay for health insurance.
How it affects you
People between 50 and 64 could gain a new option to buy Medicare coverage before the standard retirement age, which might lower their health insurance costs if they're currently paying for private coverage. The bill would also make it easier for some people to afford health insurance through expanded tax credits, and could reduce out-of-pocket costs for those already on Medicare or buying insurance from the individual market. People who relied on Medicaid work requirements under previous legislation would lose that requirement.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 12, 2026)
Medicare Expansion and Lowering Costs Now Act
This bill establishes a Medicare buy-in option for certain qualifying individuals and makes a series of other changes relating to health care costs. It also repeals the health provisions that were enacted under what is commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Specifically, the bill allows individuals aged 50 to 64 to enroll in Medicare if such individuals would otherwise qualify for Medicare at the age of 65. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must determine enrollment periods and set premiums for the buy-in option established under the bill, in accordance with specified requirements. The CMS must also award grants to states and nonprofit organizations for outreach and enrollment activities relating to the buy-in option.
Additionally, the bill repeals the health provisions that were enacted under what is commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Among other provisions, the act required individuals who are eligible for Medicaid as part of the Medicaid expansion population to engage in community service, work, or other activities in order to qualify for Medicaid. (For more information about these and other health provisions in the act, see CRS Report R48633 .)
The bill also (1) establishes a supplemental option under Medicare to cover cost-sharing for beneficiaries; (2) establishes an individual market reinsurance program relating to coverage of high-cost individuals, as specified; and (3) expands eligibility for the premium tax credit.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 7909
A BILL
Medicare Expansion and Lowering Costs Now Act
Sponsor: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8) · Introduced Mar 12, 2026 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 12, 2026: “Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on 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.”
Sections
Sections · 10
- Sec. 1Short titleNo change
- Sec. 2FindingsNo change
- Sec. 3Medicare buy-in optionNo change
- Sec. 4Medicare direct supplemental insurance optionNo change
- Sec. 5Negotiation of lower covered part D drug prices on behalf of medicare beneficiariesNo change
- Sec. 6Individual Market Reinsurance FundNo change
- Sec. 7Reauthorization of risk corridorsNo change
- Sec. 8Integration of individuals aged 50 to 64 into health demonstrationsNo change
- Sec. 9Repeal of reconciliation health provisionsNo change
- Sec. 10Increase in eligibility for premium tax creditNo change