House Democrats push Biden to lower Medicare eligibility age

A group of progressive and moderate House Democrats is asking President Biden and Vice President Harris to lower the Medicare eligibility age and expand its benefits in the administration's upcoming spending and tax bill, named the American Families Plan. 

"Lowering the eligibility age and improving its benefits package would provide immediate and substantial relief for millions of individuals throughout the United States, as well as much-needed long-term security," says the letter, which has already garnered nearly 60 signatures from House Democrats. "Now is a historic opportunity to also make an important expansion of Medicare that will guarantee health care for millions of older adults and people with disabilities struggling with the health and economic realities of the COVID-19 pandemic."  The letter, which builds on a similar effort by their Senate Democratic colleagues, is being led by Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, one of the standout lawmakers from the class of 2018 who serves in House leadership; Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, Democrat of Washington; and two members from the more moderate end of the party, Pennsylvania's Conor Lamb and Maine's Jared Golden.