H.R. 6543: Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act

This bill, known as the Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act, aims to amend certain provisions related to how the Social Security Administration assesses earnings from health care professionals and first responders during specific periods.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several main elements:

1. Exemption from Retirement Earnings Test

• The bill proposes that wages earned by health care professionals and first responders from January 31, 2020, to May 11, 2023, will not count against their earnings when determining eligibility for Social Security benefits. This means that any income these individuals received during this timeframe will not reduce their Social Security benefits based on the retirement earnings test.
• The bill allows the Commissioner of Social Security to issue guidance for the implementation of these provisions within 30 days after the bill becomes law.

2. Pandemic Preparedness

• The bill also extends the exemption from the retirement earnings test to any wages paid during future public health emergencies declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Essentially, if an emergency is declared, wages earned during this time will not affect a worker's benefits.
• In the event of a declared public health emergency where there is a shortage of healthcare workers, the Commissioner of Social Security is authorized to issue waivers for individuals attesting to their employment as health care professionals or first responders. This waiver can allow them continued eligibility for benefits without penalty from earnings during those emergencies.
• The Commissioner is required to report annually to Congress on any waivers issued under this provision.

3. Definitions

The bill provides definitions for key terms:

• Commissioner: Refers to the Commissioner of Social Security.
• Health Care Professional: Defined as per the existing laws regarding this category.
• First Responder: Defined according to the existing federal law.
• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Purpose

The general purpose of the bill is to support health care professionals and first responders by ensuring that their earnings during critical periods, particularly during a pandemic or other public health emergencies, do not adversely affect their Social Security benefits. This aims to provide financial stability for those who serve in essential health care roles and face increased challenges during such emergencies.

Impact on Healthcare Workers

The legislation would specifically benefit health care professionals and first responders by allowing them to earn wages without the fear of losing Social Security benefits. It recognizes the unique work conditions that arise during public health emergencies and aims to provide a safety net for those in these critical roles.

Relevant Companies

• None found