Federal Policy
Baldwin Introduces Bill to Let Adults 50-64 Buy Into Medicare
Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., announced the Medicare at 50 Act on Nov. 10, which would let people ages 50-64 opt to buy into Medicare with the same benefits as current enrollees, including Medicare Advantage access. The bill would bar states from shifting Medicaid beneficiaries in that age range into Medicare, keeping them in Medicaid instead. It would create a Medicare Buy-In Trust Fund for premiums, a Medicare Buy In Oversight Board to monitor the program, and $500 million per year for outreach and enrollment grants. Baldwin has backed similar legislation in 2019 and 2021, and House Democrats introduced a related bill with a sunset date in October.
Why it mattersState Medicaid agencies could need to track eligibility rules closely to ensure beneficiaries ages 50-64 remain correctly retained in Medicaid rather than shifted to the new Medicare buy-in option.