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 Senators easily overcame another 60-vote hurdle on a vote of 68-29. The Biden Administration and congressional Democrats have named as a priority lowering the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 60. The rare bipartisan momentum was holding steady, a reflection of the bill's popularity and the eagerness of senators to show voters back home they can deliver. Lowering the age to 60 from 65 would expand Medicare to at least 23 million people. The Biden Administration and congressional Democrats have named as a priority lowering the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 60. An analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office drew concerns, particularly from Republicans. They prefer to live in places that are walkable, safe for pedestrians, and offer good transit options. Especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when millions of people have been laid off and families have been faced with unexpected medical expenses without insurance, lowering Medicare eligibility now couldnt be more imperative. 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. Thats a message we keep hearing from AARPs network ofAge-Friendly States and Communities, which now comprises575towns, cities and counties across the United States. President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have repeatedly expressedcommitmentsto expanding Medicare. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Conor Lamb (PA-17), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Susan Wild (PA-07), Haley Stevens (MI-11), and Debbie Dingell (MI-12) would expand Medicare to at least 23 million people. On the campaign trail, Biden promised to lower Medicare's eligibility age from 65 to 60. The group projects it would amount to $200 The Democratic leader said lawmakers will have to "galvanize public support" for the proposal in order to pass a far-reaching infrastructure package including investments in healthcare, childcare, and education through reconciliation, which would allow Democrats to pass the package with a party-line vote if the entire caucus backs it. Why Doesnt Medicare Cover Services So Many Seniors Need? Democrats want to allow 60-year-olds into Medicare as part of How will Mr. DeSantiss wild Disney ride end? What changes are coming for Medicare? The American Action Forum is a 21st century center-right policy institute providing actionable research and analysis to solve Americas most pressing policy challenges. Health insurance for Americas older population would be expanded under a $3.5 trillion budget plan released Monday by Senate Democrats. But it's unclear if they will be considered for votes. getty. Trump called Hagerty on Sunday morning, said a person familiar with the call who requested anonymity to discuss it. Senators Push Infrastructure Bill A Step Closer To Passage People of all ages need ways to get around and stay connected. Your team? But the bill's backers argued that the budget office was unable to take into account certain revenue streams including from future economic growth. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a FREE second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. And there should be no confusion about that. Signs 4 Gun Control BillsStrengthening States Restrictions Amid Frequent Shootings. The proposal to lower Medicare eligibility age would go from 65 to 60 years old. The progressive push for a bolder and much more comprehensive infrastructure plan stands in stark contrast to the paltry proposal put forth by a bipartisan group of centrist, more corporate-friendly Senators. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try Editors note: This article was updated Nov. 15 to reflect that the bill was signed into law. Senators easily overcame another 60-vote hurdle on a vote of 68-29. Democrats $3.5 trillion budget plan calls for Medicare expansion 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. Medicare Facebook privacy settlement: Who is eligible for a payment? 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. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Were working on ensuring universal health care, and this includes lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 60 so that more adults can get the critical access to the quality, affordable health care they need.. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who recently urged fellow Democrats to hit pause on the $3.5 trillion measure.