U.S. Reps. introduce bill for health care workers, first responders with concerns for social security

WASHINGTON D.C. (WTAJ) — U.S. Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and David Trone (D-MD) introduced the “Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act,” which would exempt health care workers and first responders from Social Security’s Retirement Earnings Test (RET).

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 bill would retroactively restore benefits for health care 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.

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“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.”

This legislation is supported by the National Rural Health Association and the Federation of American Hospitals.

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