Baldwin Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Lower Age of Medicare Eligibility to 50, Lower Health Care Costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As her first bill after the Midterm election, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led a group of her colleagues in introducing the Medicare at 50 Act , legislation to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 50 and allow Americans ages 50 to 64 to buy into Medicare. As Americans list the cost of health care as a top concern, Baldwin’s bill will expand access to affordable health care and give more than 58 million Americans more coverage options. “Wisconsin families sent an unmistakable message last Tuesday: they are struggling to make ends meet and afford the skyrocketing cost of health care. So, I am taking this head-on,” said Senator Baldwin. “For too many folks in their 50s and early 60s, finding affordable health insurance means paying through the nose or going without the coverage they need altogether. That’s just not right. We can and must be bold and meet the moment to lower the cost of health care. I’m fighting to give more Americans the option to buy into Medicare at 50, so they can have more choices, more affordable coverage, and some much-needed breathing room in their budgets.” “Today, millions of Americans are being priced out of healthcare and remain uninsured or underinsured – that is unacceptable. And this issue has only been exacerbated by Trump and Republicans’ healthcare cuts and failure to extend the ACA tax credits to give tax cuts to billionaires. The Medicare at 50 Act begins to address some of the gaping holes in affordable coverage and provides millions of Americans with more options for affordable, quality care. This is an important step in the right direction to ensuring that every American has the healthcare they need,” said Senator Van Hollen . "Like millions of Americans, I'm raising a family while caring for my father with Alzheimer's, and I know how crushing healthcare costs are. Voters sent a clear message in these midterms: lower costs now. Lowering the Medicare eligibility age is a bold step we can take right away,” said Senator Kim . “The American people made themselves clear: Congress must fight to bring down the cost of health care and other basic needs. And we must make bold moves now to deliver,” said Senator Duckworth . “By expanding Medicare buy-in for folks as early as 50 years old, our bill will allow millions to access affordable health care.” More than 60 million Americans are between the ages of 50 and 64, a population that faces significant challenges accessing affordable, comprehensive health insurance. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded access to coverage, millions of older Americans continue to face high premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and limited coverage options. Today, 11.5 percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 remain uninsured. President Trump and Republicans have made matters worse with sweeping health care cuts in their Big Ugly Bill and their refusal to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, driving up costs for older Americans who purchase insurance through the ACA Marketplace. In 2026, premiums for Americans ages 50 to 64 purchasing insurance through the ACA Marketplace doubled, while enrollment among this population fell by 6%. The Medicare at 50 Act would help close this gap and give Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 the option to buy into Medicare before reaching the traditional eligibility age of 65. Individuals who choose to enroll would receive the same benefits and protections available under Medicare Parts A, B, and D, including the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. The legislation would also allow eligible individuals to receive the same premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies they would qualify for through the ACA Marketplace, helping make coverage more affordable. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Full text of the bill is available here . ###