U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) on June 27 led a bipartisan bill that would exempt certain Social Security benefits from being reduced for healthcare workers and first responders who work during a public health crisis.
“Having spent nearly 30 years in rural health care before coming to Congress, I know firsthand the sacrifices made by frontline workers and first responders,” Rep. Thompson said. “In a time of great need, many people came out of retirement without realizing their benefits would be impacted. This is unfair to those who stepped up in a time of need.
“This legislation will correct this problem and will remove an unnecessary barrier to future service in case of a national emergency or public health crisis,” said the congressman who sponsored the Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act, H.R. 8872, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-MD).
Specifically, H.R. 8872 would exempt healthcare workers and first responders from Social Security’s retirement earnings test (RET) during public health emergencies, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Thompson’s staff.
Currently, the RET applies to individuals who have not reached full retirement age but want to claim Social Security benefits. If those individuals are still working and earning wages, their Social Security benefits are reduced, the summary says.
If enacted, H.R. 8872 would retroactively restore benefits for healthcare professionals and first responders who had them reduced or eliminated during the COVID-19 public health emergency and exempt these individuals from being subject to the RET in future public health crises, states the summary.
“Frontline workers and first responders across the country dedicate their lives to serving others, often putting their own health and safety on the line,” said Rep. Trone. “When we faced an unprecedented pandemic, many of them stepped up once again to protect their communities. The very least we can do is ensure that their Social Security benefits aren’t impacted because of their continued commitment to serve. That’s exactly what this legislation will do.”
The bill has garnered support from the National Rural Health Association and the Federation of American Hospitals, and has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.