Exempt health workers and first responders from the Retirement Earnings Test during emergencies

Thompson supports the bipartisan Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act, which he introduced. During public health emergencies, the bill would exempt healthcare workers and first responders from Social Security’s Retirement Earnings Test. Thompson says the change is intended to help prevent staffing shortages and keep hospitals adequately staffed during national emergencies.

Context: Statement dated November 2, 2026. Source collected on November 11, 2026.

In their own words

legislation that will exempt healthcare workers and first responders from Social Security’s Retirement Earnings Test (RET) during public health emergencies.

The source

Glenn Thompson: 2026 healthcare questionnaire ↗

Published: 11/2/2026
Retrieved: 11/11/2026