Democrats are aiming toinclude the provisions of the bill in the $3.5 trillion reconciliation packagefocused on human infrastructure. They also want that legislation to expand Medicare coverage to hearing, vision and dental care. --Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Here's What's Included In The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. Dems Will Lower Medicare Age To 60 In Infrastructure Bill bill President Joe Biden has called for Congress to include billions of dollars for caregiving in the infrastructure package Democrats will work on this fall. Moderate Sens. It concluded that the legislation would increase deficits by about $256 billion over the next decade. Bidens Medicare plan spells trouble for the whole system Both scenarios would result in approximately 3.9 million additional insured individuals, at a cost of $9,756 to $57,912 per newly covered person. Get Medicare at 62 That bill is expected to propose lowering the Medicare age to 60 and expanding it to include dental, hearing and vision, as well as a pathway to citizenship for WebThe plan would cut the eligibility age from 65 to 60, adding roughly 23 million Americans into the government health insurance program. A bipartisan group of senators on Tuesday succeeded in their months-long quest to pass a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package through the Senatebut the legislation still faces hurdles in the House, where Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has vowed not to consider it without a larger spending package replete with Democrats' policy priorities. Specialty Rx prices soaring at more than three times rate of inflation, says new AARP report, AARP survey finds 50+ voters worry about prescription costs, want Congress to act now. Another negotiator, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, acknowledged that no compromise is perfect, but doing nothing when there was a bill before them was not an option. "With the current Medicare platform, those three things are just left out, like it's no big deal. Jayapal Leads 130 Lawmakers in Introducing Bill to Lower Medicare Eligibility Age Progressives, moderates, and 10 frontline members introduce a joint effort to expand Medicare to at least 23 million people by lowering the eligibility age to 60 as part of the Build Back Better package Even amajorityof people who cast their votes for Donald Trump back expanding Medicare. J. Scott Applewhite/AP To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page. That requires a tie-breaking vote from Vice President Kamala Harris and support from all 50 Senate Democrats, including moderates like Sens. The bill passed 69-30 late Tuesday morning, with 19 Senate Republicans voting in favor of it including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. That's how much the Congressional Budget Office estimates the infrastructure bill would add to the nation's budget deficit over the next 10 years, meaning nearly half of the package's proposed new spending could end up tacked on to the nation's $28.6 trillion debt load. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) have balked at the $3.5 trillion price tag and signaled plans to try to sand it down, but House progressives have warned anything less could spur them to oppose the infrastructure bill. Progressive values. But while the bill will arguably overcome its largest hurdle on Tuesday, it still faces further obstacles in the House, where Pelosi has repeatedly pledged not to consider it until Senate Democrats also send her a $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill. Feel free to republish and share widely. Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Conor Lamb, Joe Neguse, Susan Wild, Haley Stevens, Debbie Dingell, Alma Adams, Pete Aguilar, Cindy Axne, Nanette Diaz Barragn, Karen Bass, Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D., Anthony G. Brown, Julia Brownley, Cori Bush, Salud Carbajal, Tony Crdenas, Andr Carson, Troy A. Carter, Joaquin Castro, Judy Chu, David N. Cicilline, Katherine Clark, Yvette D. Clarke, Steve Cohen, Gerald E. Connolly, J. Luis Correa, Joe Courtney, Angie Craig, Danny K. Davis, Madeleine Dean, Peter DeFazio, Diana DeGette, Rosa L. DeLauro, Mark DeSaulnier, Mike Doyle, Veronica Escobar, Adriano Espaillat, Dwight Evans, Ruben Gallego, Jess G. Chuy Garca, Sylvia Garcia, Al Green, Ral M. Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Brian Higgins, Steven Horsford, Jared Huffman, Shelia Jackson Lee, Sara Jacobs, Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr., Mondaire Jones, Kaialii Kahele, Marcy Kaptur, Ro Khanna, Andy Kim, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ann McLane Kuster, Rick Larsen, John B. Larson, Brenda L. Lawrence, Barbara Lee, Teresa Leger Fernndez, Andy Levin, Ted W. Lieu, Zoe Lofgren, Alan Lowenthal, Carolyn B. Maloney, Kathy Manning, Doris Matsui, Betty McCollum, A. Donald McEachin, James P. McGovern, Jerry McNerney, Gregory W. Meeks, Grace Meng, Kweisi Mfume, Joseph Morelle, Seth Moulton, Jerrold Nadler, Grace F. Napolitano, Marie Newman, Donald Norcross, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Donald M. Payne Jr., Ed Perlmutter, Dean Phillips, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Katie Porter, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Jamie Raskin, Bobby L. Rush, Tim Ryan, Linda T. Snchez, John Sarbanes, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, Adam Schiff, Brad Sherman, Adam Smith, Darren Soto, Marilyn Strickland, Thomas R. Suozzi, Mark Takano, Mike Thompson, Bennie G. Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Norma Torres, Ritchie Torres, Lori Trahan, Juan Vargas, Nydia M. Velzquez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, Frederica S. Wilson, John Yarmuth, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ann Kirkpatrick, Jason Crow, Hakeem Jeffries, and Emanuel Cleaver, II. Senators Push Infrastructure Bill A Step Closer PARAMUS, NJ On August 23rd, 2021, U.S. This will become more apparent in the coming months and years as communities put the money to work and improve services we all depend on.AARP is committed to work with state and local leaders to ensure that these historic investments are implemented in a way that supports the needs of older adults., 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items. Finally, A Bill To Lower Medicare Age To 60 . It would provide federal money for projects many states and cities could not afford on their own. \n\nhttps://t.co/gIygEJe3Mk\u201d. Biden They will empower Americans to stay connected to friends, families and the world around them. EXCLUSIVE: Biden pick to head National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Saudi alfalfa sparks tension in Arizonas Sonoran Desert. The bill authorizes $550 billion in new spending, including some $110 billion for roads, bridges and other transportation projects, the largest-ever federal investment in public transit, and funds for airports, Amtrak, electric school buses and broadband internet. Sen. Chuck Schumer speaks in front of The Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn, N.Y. on June 19, 2021. Senators easily overcame another 60-vote hurdle on a vote of 68-29. (Photo: John Lamparski/Getty Images). How will Mr. DeSantiss wild Disney ride end? Paulina Enck is a Press Secretary at the American Action Forum. Implement Republicans' signature energy bill Included in the debt limit package is H.R. This is in addition to support from national labor unions, local groups, and national organizations. The deadly COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the crisis. Nancy LeaMond is AARP's chief advocacy and engagement officer. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has estimated that lowering the eligibility age to 60 would cost $200 billion over a decade. In contrast, folding dental, vision and hearing coverage into the traditional Medicare program could cost $358 billion over the next 10 years and possibly more. Medicare Part B President Joe Biden first released his infrastructure proposal in March, but Democratic Party leaders faced opposition to the plan from both Republicans and Democrats concerned over heightened government spending. As part of the budget President Biden and congressional Democrats have already expanded the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance, Your Home Checklist for Aging in Place, Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams, Jean Chatzky: Closing the Savings Gap. Facebook privacy settlement: Who is eligible for a payment? Democrats want to allow 60-year-olds into Medicare as part of Federal Reserve Says Social Media Partially At Fault For Silicon Valley Banks Failure, Tuckered Out? again. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. Prominent lawmakers are now pushing for him to include the Medicare measure in his next spending bill, a followup to the recently announced infrastructure spending package. Fox News Prime-Time Ratings Slump In Days Following Tucker Carlsons Firing, Credit Card Delinquencies Test Multi-Year Highs As Job Market Faces 'Material' Worsening, Capital One Warns, NBAs Phoenix Suns Become First Major Sports Team To Ditch Cable, Red States Have Higher Gun Death Rates Than Blue States. Scalise: Americans expect Biden to sit in a room with Speaker McCarthy and Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Im proud to support this legislation to strengthen our health care system and ensure that Americans receive the comprehensive care they deserve., By lowering the age of Medicare eligibility to 60, we are able to cover as many as 23 million additional Americans. On the campaign trail, Biden promised to lower Medicare's eligibility age from 65 to 60. Coronavirus Test Coverage - Medicare Biden, who was spending the weekend in Delaware, said the bipartisan package offers an investment on par with the building of the transcontinental railroad or interstate highway system. Expanded Medicare Benefits In Democrats' Plan Include Dental The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would provide what Biden has called a "historic investment" in public works programs, the first part of the president's his rebuilding agenda. Despite the momentum, action ground to a halt over the weekend when Hagerty, an ally of Donald Trump, forced the Senate to run out the clock on debate time, refusing to consent to speeding up the process. "The American people deserve to have good roads and bridges and infrastructure to drive on, travel on," he said. Signs 4 Gun Control BillsStrengthening States Restrictions Amid Frequent Shootings. Congress and President Biden should immediately deliver for the people by prioritizing the expansion and improvement of Medicare in the upcoming Build Back Better package., Many working Americans like firefighters and nurses can end up out of the workforce before 65 because of the grueling nature of their jobs. The larger infrastructure plan favored by Sanders and other progressives also includes tax increases for the wealthiest Americans to pay for infrastructure spending and investments that would help working people, a proposal which is also popular with a majority of Americans. Senate Democrats Unveil $3.5 Trillion BudgetProposing Free Community College, Pathway To Citizenship And More (Forbes), New Bridges, Roads, Internet And More: Here's What Made It Into The $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Backed By The Senate (Forbes), Senate Democrats Unveil $3.5 Trillion Spending Deal (Forbes), This is a BETA experience. Medicare Progressives Wont Give Up On Medicare At 60 In Budget Package Allowing Medicare to negotiate the price of certain prescription drugs would reduce spending by $345 billion over a decade, according to another CBO estimate of Schumer's statement echoed recent remarks by Sanders, who last week tweeted, "I do not think it is too radical an idea to say that keeping teeth in your mouth should not be a luxury," and highlighted how the introduction of Medicare in 1965 ended earlier healthcare injustices in the United States. Schumer's support for the more expansive vision for infrastructure--a plan that would be ushered through the reconciliation process in the Senate by Sanders, chair of the Budget Committee--comes days after more than 100 healthcare, faith, and labor groups called on the majority leader and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to include Medicare expansion in the American Families Plan, the Biden administration's infrastructure package. Lowering the Medicare age to 60 will help millions of Americans., Lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 60 will provide immediate and substantive relief to millions of Americans who are underinsured or uninsured,said Congressman Neguse. Theres Public officials and other decision-makers can learn more by clicking on AARPs age-friendly network page, our interactivelivable communities map, and our livable communitiespage.. McCarthy says he will invite Netanyahu to DC if Biden doesnt. Dems Will Use Infrastructure Bill To Lower Medicare Age, Add Benefits. to Expand and Enhance Medicare in the Infrastructure Lowering the eligibility age from 65 Heres how we fight back. Sanders, I-Vt., are seen in the U.S. Capitol on Monday, August 9, 2021. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a FREE second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, only about a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries have dental coverage, and their benefits "frequently come with additional premiums, cost sharing, and limits on the amount of coverage.". However, if you are under 65 and receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) for 24 months or have a certain diagnosis, you will be eligible for Medicare. \u201cThere is a gaping hole in Medicare that leaves out dental, vision, and hearing coverage.\n\nThis is a serious problem.\n\nI\u2019m working with @SenSanders to push to include dental, vision, and hearing Medicare coverage in the American Jobs and Families Plans.\u201d, In 1965, half of all seniors over the age of 65 had no medical insurance. Lowering the age to 60 from 65 would expand Medicare to at least 23 million people. These places have put together hundreds of age-friendly plans that provide local data and community-driven insights into the needs and priorities of older adults. Senators Push Infrastructure Bill A Step Closer To Passage getty. The group projects it would amount to $200 Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is reportedly pressuring Democratic lawmakers to use the forthcoming multi-trillion dollar infrastructure package to significantly expand Medicare by lowering the eligibility age from 65 to either 55 or 60 an idea President Joe Biden floated on the campaign trail last April.. Sanders, the chairman of Greatersupport for caregivers, better access to home- and community-based services, improvements to Medicare, paid family leave and affordable housing options are all areas that AARP will continue to push for as lawmakers consider future legislation. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Find out more. From bad to worse: Student misbehavior rises further since return of in-person Falcon Heavy launches after series of weather delays, Trump, Fox News have a new point of tension: Tucker Carlson. WASHINGTON Senators hoisted the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package over another hurdle late Sunday, a coalition of Democrats and Republicans pushing it closer to passage despite a few holdouts trying to derail one of President Joe Biden's top priorities. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try Todays legislation is co-sponsored by 10 frontline lawmakers who are running for re-election in the most competitive districts across the country. hide caption, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., arrives with his security detail as senators convene for a rare weekend session to continue work on the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, at the Capitol on Sunday. The legislation also includes 10 frontline members as sponsors, who represent some of the most competitive districts in the country. Final votes could drag into early Tuesday as a single GOP senator, Tennessee's Bill Hagerty, refused to relent on the mandatory debate time. Throughout the process, AARP worked tirelessly to support these goals, and I want to share with you some of the notable wins that are contained in the 2,700 pages of this historic, bipartisan legislation. New Bill Lowers Medicare Eligibility Age to 60 The Biden Administration and congressional Democrats have named as a priority lowering the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 60. Unlike Biden's bigger $3.5 trillion package, which would be paid for by higher tax rates for corporations and the wealthy, the bipartisan package is funded by repurposing other money, including untapped COVID-19 aid, and other spending cuts and revenue streams. Direct to your inbox. Progressives and advocates for Medicare expansion arent about to give up on expanding eligibility to Americans between the ages of 60 and 64. Senators have spent the past week processing nearly two dozen amendments to the 2,700-page package, but so far none has substantially changed its framework. Julia Conley is a staff writer for Common Dreams. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., stressed to colleagues that they could proceed the "easy way or the hard way," as the Senate slogged through its second consecutive weekend session. According to one study, a typical 60-year-old could buy into Medicare for about $8,000 less per year as compared to a gold-level plan on the insurance exchanges, and $3,700 less than buying a bronze-level plan. But the new commitments to improve internet access and modernize transportation choices are milestones in the ongoing effort. Biden did note that the bill "will expand Medicare to cover hearing services so that older Americans can access the affordable care they need ." The bill (pdf)which is led by Democratic Reps. Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Conor Lamb (Pa.), Joe Neguse (Colo.), Susan Wild (Pa.), Haley Stevens (Mich.), and Debbie Dingell (Mich.)would bring 23 million more Americans into the government-run program. The new bill is expected to be announced sometime in April. Hagerty said later Sunday in a speech on the Senate floor that he was trying to prevent a "socialist debt bomb" of new government spending. Nearly 15 percent of older adults have no access to high-speed internet at all, and rural residents have been excluded too often.