Medicare bill would cover home disaster gear for medically at-risk enrollees

What does this do?

HR 8749 would create a new Medicare benefit called "home resiliency services," covering home items and equipment that protect against natural disasters or emergencies. Covered items could include heat pumps, solar batteries, and special cold storage for temperature-sensitive medications. Medicare would pay 100% of costs up to government-set price limits, beginning January 1, 2027.

Who does it affect?

The benefit would apply to Medicare enrollees who are officially determined to be medically at-risk in a disaster situation, a group that includes primarily Americans 65 and older plus some younger people with disabilities. Doctors and health agencies would also be affected through their roles in determining eligibility and setting payment rules.

Why does it matter?

Eligibility determinations would require a process developed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in coordination with health and weather agencies, weighing medical conditions, equipment or medication dependencies, and local climate or disaster risks. The bill has been referred to committees and has not yet been passed into law.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Medicare pays 100% of covered items
• Government sets price limits
• Total program cost not specified

Where does it stand?