McClain Delaney, Thompson Introduce Legislation to Bolster Health Care Workforce

McClain Delaney, Thompson Introduce Legislation to Bolster Health Care Workforce

Bill supports health care professionals, first responders willing to help in emergencies

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) today introduced the Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act, which will exempt health care workers and first responders from Social Security's Retirement Earnings Test (RET) during public health emergencies.

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.

"America's health care workers and first responders step up when our communities are in crisis," Rep. McClain Delaney said. "It is essential that we safeguard their financial security when they come out of retirement to help our communities during times of emergency. The bipartisan Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Actis important and meaningful legislation Congress can pass to ensure these public servants are treated with fairness and not financially penalized for their service."

"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 to help their neighbors. Our legislation will correct this problem and will remove an unnecessary barrier to future service in case of a national emergency or public health crisis."

"Health care workers across the country step up when we need them most during public health emergencies, and the Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Actis a much-needed recognition of their sacrifice that safeguards their Social Security benefits. We appreciate the leadership of Congressman Thompson and Congresswoman McClain Delaney, and we support this commonsense effort to honor and protect those who protect us," said Charlene MacDonald, EVP Public Affairs, Federation of American Hospitals.

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

Read the resolution.

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